Artwork
Saint George
Saint George is an unspecified painting by the Byzantine icon painting artist Dimosthenis Kokkinidis. It dates from 1958 and is held in the collection of the Athens School of Fine Arts.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1958 by Greek painter Dimosthenis Kokkinidis, this oil work portrays the legendary saint on horseback. The composition centers the mounted figure against a subdued landscape where a subdued dragon lies at the horse’s feet, emphasizing the narrative of triumph. The painting is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography.
Subject & Meaning
The image draws on the hagiographic episode of Saint George slaying the dragon, a motif symbolizing the victory of faith over chaos. Saint George is shown in a red robe and gilded armor, his spear poised, while the subdued dragon at his horse’s hooves reinforces the theme of divine protection and heroic sacrifice.
Technique & Style
Kokkinidis employs bold outlines and saturated hues reminiscent of Byzantine iconography, yet the brushwork conveys a sense of motion. The rider’s red garment and the horse’s white coat contrast sharply with the green of the dragon, creating a dynamic visual rhythm that guides the eye toward the central figure.
History & Provenance
The painting entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings shortly after its completion, becoming a representative example of mid‑twentieth‑century Greek religious art. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s focus on works that bridge folk tradition and formal artistic practice.
