Artwork
St. George and the Dragon
St. George and the Dragon is a print by the Renaissance artist Wolfgang Huber. It dates from 1520 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Wolfgang Huber, a landscape draftsman active in the early modern period, produced only a handful of prints. This woodcut depicts the legendary encounter of Saint George with a dragon, set within a tumultuous natural environment that dominates the composition.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows Saint George on horseback thrusting his lance into a coiled dragon, while a distant figure—traditionally identified as a princess—observes from an elevated hill. The dramatic confrontation is framed by a sky filled with swirling clouds, emphasizing the peril and heroism of the narrative.
Technique & Style
Huber translates his drawing practice into the woodcut by employing short, scratchy incisions for both figures and foliage. This uniform line quality merges the human and animal forms with the surrounding rocks and trees, creating a cohesive, almost inseparable landscape. The illumination appears to emanate from the lance tip, adding a fleeting, luminous effect.
History & Provenance
The print belongs to a limited series of works by Huber, whose output in printmaking was scarce compared to his drawings. It reflects his interest in integrating narrative content with the dynamic, atmospheric qualities characteristic of his landscape sketches.
Artist & collection
