Saint George and the Dragon

Saint George and the Dragon is an exquisite oil on panel painting created by the celebrated Italian High Renaissance master, Raphael, around 1506. This powerful work, executed early in the defining period of 1501 to 1550, dramatically captures the timeless Christian legend of Saint George rescuing the princess from a monstrous dragon. Raphael, known for his command of graceful composition, places the saint upon a rearing white horse, prepared to deliver the decisive blow to the serpentine beast.

Although modest in size, the painting is characterized by intense narrative tension and precise detail, hallmarks of the artist’s developing style prior to his move to Rome. The careful application of oil on panel allowed Raphael to achieve brilliant color saturation and luminous effects, particularly visible in the polished armor of the saint and the lush, atmospheric landscape. The composition cleverly balances the forward thrust of the mounted hero with the frantic movements of the dragon and the distant fleeing princess, who appears near the shelter of the forest. The piece represents the zenith of refined draftsmanship and idealized form sought by Renaissance patrons in the early 16th century.

The cultural significance of this Italian masterpiece ensures its continued importance for scholars and art lovers worldwide. Today, this painting is a key holding within the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it is admired as a prime example of Raphael’s virtuosity. As a historical work of art, it is widely studied and reproduced, and high-quality prints derived from the original often enter the public domain, allowing for broad access to and appreciation of this pivotal moment in the history of Italian painting.