The icon titled St. George and the Dragon is one of the oldest exhibits at the Radishchev Museum. Researches place it as painted in the 15th century. The unknown master painted an episode from the life of St. George (also known as George the Victorious).
St. George and the Dragon and selected saints
Creation period
XVI c
Dimensions
50,5x40,5 cm
Technique
Tempera on wood
Collection
5
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St. George and the Dragon and selected saints
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St. George is one of the most revered saints in Christianity. Many churches were consecrated to St. George, icons painted to narrate the miracles he worked, and the episode of St. George’s Dragon fight became a true symbol of the battle between good and evil.
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George’s life is known from several sources. He was born in the III c. A.D. to a righteous family and enlisted with military service at a young age. His physical vigor and wit quickly took him to a top military rank. But when persecutions of Christians began, George was captivated and tortured. While in prison, he started working miracles. For example, his hagiography describes an episode when he was flogged so badly that his skin tore. But the next day his skin healed completely.
The episode of St. George and the Dragon refers to the Saint’s postmortem miracles. The legend goes that in a pond near the saint’s town there lived a dragon who kidnapped and killed people. To prevent it from affecting the city too frequently, the people regularly fed it male and female youths, chosen by lottery. One time the lot fell on the king’s daughter, princess Elisava. As she was waiting by the lake to be eaten by the dragon, St. George appeared on a white horse and saved the young woman. After the miracle, the local pagan population accepted Christ by faith.
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There are two versions of the Canon for St. George and the Dragon icons. Pursuant to the first one, Princess Elisava would be positioned next to the saint who saved her from imminent death, as well as other witnesses of the miracle. The second version suggests an abridged composition, with George the Victorious defeating the Dragon with his spear as the centerpiece, with Christ blessing him from heaven and saints encircling their victorious peer. The icon from the Radishchev Museum follows the second version of the Canon.
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George is mounted on a horse, behind his back is a crimson cape. The saint is encircled by selected saints. To his right there are brothers Cosmas and Damian who healed the sick. They hold little sticks, the attributes of healers. On the left side of the icon, there is Holy Mother with infant Christ and Nicholas the Wonderworker. Below there is Great Martyr Paraskeva who was respected as a helper to women with household chores. Next to her there is venerable Zosima, one of the founders of the Solovetsky Monastery.
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St. George and the Dragon arrived at the museum. Researchers believe that it was transported from some area by the White Sea during one of many campaigns aimed to collect articles of ancient Russian pictorial art.
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A.N. Radishchev Saratov State Museum of Fine Arts
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St. George and the Dragon and selected saints
Creation period
XVI c
Dimensions
50,5x40,5 cm
Technique
Tempera on wood
Collection
5
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