Artwork
Saint George on Horseback Slaying the Dragon
Saint George on Horseback Slaying the Dragon is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Daniel Hopfer. It dates from 1520 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This iron etching, created around 1520, is a representative work by Daniel Hopfer, a German artist known for his innovations in printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts Saint George on horseback, slaying a dragon, a scene rooted in Christian tradition. The saint's armor and cape are detailed, while the dragon's features are rendered with precision, set against a serene landscape background.
Technique & Style
Hopfer's use of etching on an iron plate, bitten twice, showcases his technical skill. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth, with the saint's armor gleaming and the dragon's body twisted in a dramatic pose.
History & Provenance
Hopfer was active between approximately 1470 and 1536, and is credited with pioneering etching in printmaking at the end of the 15th century. His work helped establish the commercial viability of prints.
Artist & collection
Artist
Daniel Hopfer (c. 1470 – 1536) was a German artist who is widely believed to have been the first to use etching in printmaking, at the end of the 15th century. He also worked in woodcut. Although his etchings were…
Interior of the Church of Saint Maria Magdalena with the Parable of the Offering of the Widow
Emperor Charles V
Emperor Charles V
The Virgin Mary Taking Leave of Christ
Jesus Christ Giving the Mission to the Apostles and Other New Testament Scenes
Soldier Embracing a Woman
Girolamo da Siena
The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne by a Portal
