Who painted Saint George?

Saint George was painted by German 15th Century in 1475.

Where can I see Saint George?

Saint George is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Saint George?

Saint George is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Saint George

German 15th Century , 1475

Saint George is a paint print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1475 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Saint George is a hand‑colored metalcut print depicting a mounted knight confronting a dragon. Executed in vivid reds, greens and yellows, the image stands out against a dark background. The composition centers on the armored rider, whose helmet and breastplate are embellished with gold‑tone dots, while the dragon’s green scales and fierce teeth dominate the lower space.

Subject & Meaning

The scene illustrates the legendary encounter between Saint George, the patron saint of soldiers, and a fearsome dragon, a narrative traditionally symbolizing the triumph of Christian virtue over evil. The two peripheral figures, one clutching a branch, appear to witness the struggle, underscoring the moral spectacle intended for devotional contemplation.

Technique & Style

Created by cutting the design into a metal plate, the print was then inked and pressed onto paper. After printing, the image was manually painted with bright pigments, a process typical of 15th‑century European metalcut works. The bold outlines, flat areas of color, and decorative detailing reflect the late Gothic aesthetic that preceded the full emergence of Renaissance naturalism.

History & Provenance

The work dates from the 1400s, a period when metalcut printing was a popular medium for religious subjects in Northern Europe. While the specific artist and original ownership are not recorded, the piece survives as an example of the period’s devotional prints, likely circulated among private collectors or ecclesiastical patrons.

Context

During the late medieval era, the cult of Saint George enjoyed widespread popularity, especially among knightly orders. Prints such as this served both as visual reinforcement of the saint’s legend and as didactic tools, reinforcing chivalric ideals within a visual culture that was increasingly accessible through reproducible media.