Unknown Artist, Novgorod, Russia
, Russian, fl. first half 15th century
Title
Saint George and the DragonDatec.1400-1450
MediumTempera on wood panel
Dimensions
73.5 x 63 cm
Credit LinePurchased, 1968
Object numberNGI.1857
DescriptionAccording to legend, St George was born in Cappadocia at the time of the Emperor Diocletian. Of Christian faith, he was a tribune in the Roman army. One day, when his legion reached the town of Selene in Libya, he was met by local people who entreated him to help them in their struggle against a ferocious dragon. With divine protection, George confronted the monster and after a long combat killed it, thus saving the young daughter of the king from becoming its next victim. The battle takes place here against a surreal, mountainous landscape. St George was greatly venerated in Eastern Europe and particularly in Novgorod, where he was considered the patron saint of the reigning princes. In this panel the saint is represented astride a white horse and spearing the winged dragon that has emerged from the neighbouring marsh. At the top right corner, the blessing hand of God appears, while on the left a bust of St Nicholas is depicted. This elegant composition, with its lively imagery, is a good example of the level of quality achieved by the Novgorod School at this time.
Label TextSaint George was a fourth century Roman soldier and martyr, and the subject of many legends. The most famous legend, a later medieval invention, recounts that he killed a dragon to save a princess. In northern Russia the dragon also symbolised the defeat of paganism. In this panel, his victory appears effortless as he glides on his horse. He is aided by the protective hand of God and the cross at the top of his lance. The panel is in exceptional condition. The rich scarlet colour was a local Novgorod pigment called kinovar.
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