Artwork

Saint George and the Dragon

Saint George and the Dragon, by Lucas Emil Vorsterman, ink, 1627
Saint George and the Dragon, by Lucas Emil Vorsterman, ink, 1627

Saint George and the Dragon is an ink print by the Baroque artist Lucas Emil Vorsterman. It dates from 1627 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Executed on laid paper, the print captures the moment the rider, sword raised, engages the beast while a woman observes from the foreground.

Lucas Emil Vorsterman’s 1627 engraving titled Saint George and the Dragon presents a dynamic confrontation between a heavily armored knight and a fearsome dragon. Executed on laid paper, the print captures the moment the rider, sword raised, engages the beast while a woman observes from the foreground. The composition is framed by a wooded landscape and a distant architectural structure, lending depth to the dramatic tableau.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts the legendary Christian martyr Saint George, symbolized by the cross on his shield, confronting the dragon that threatens the community. The presence of the on‑looking woman suggests the rescue of a captive or the protection of the innocent, reinforcing themes of bravery, faith, and deliverance that were central to hagiographic narratives of the period.

Technique & Style

Vorsterman employed the fine line work characteristic of early‑17th‑century engraving, using sharp incisions to render the armor’s texture, the horse’s tack, and the dragon’s scales. Contrasting dark shadows against lighter areas create a sense of volume and movement, while the laid‑paper surface adds a subtle grain that enhances the overall atmospheric tension of the scene.

History & Provenance

The print was produced in 1627 and is now part of the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Its inclusion in this public institution reflects the work’s relevance as an example of Dutch engraving and its role in disseminating religious iconography across Europe during the early modern era.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Lucas Emil Vorsterman

Artist

Lucas Emil Vorsterman

etching and engraving by Lucas Vorsterman II, NGA 10762), B1977.14.10539 - Yale etc

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.