Artwork
St. George and the Dragon (3)
St. George and the Dragon (3) is a print by the Impressionist artist Claude-Ferdinand Gaillard. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. St.
About this work
Overview
St. George and the Dragon, created in 1885 by French artist Claude-Ferdinand Gaillard, is a black-and-white drawing depicting the legendary Christian subject of Saint George battling a dragon. The work is characterized by loose, sketchy lines emphasizing movement and drama.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing illustrates the iconic Christian legend of Saint George slaying a dragon, a common theme in religious art. The scene unfolds with Saint George on foot, engaged in combat, while a horse with a figure on its back and a discarded sword nearby add to the narrative.
Technique & Style
Gaillard executed the piece using loose, expressive lines, creating a sense of dynamic movement and drama. The monochrome palette focuses attention on form and action rather than color, somewhat akin to the expressive qualities found in Impressionist works.
History & Provenance
Produced in 1885 during Gaillard's active period in Paris, the drawing is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Claude Ferdinand Gaillard (7 January 1834 – 19 January 1887) was a French engraver and painter, who had been born and died in Paris.
