Saint George Slaying the Dragon

Saint George Slaying the Dragon by Albrecht Dürer is a powerful woodcut print created around 1504-1505, a period that marks the height of the Northern Renaissance. This pivotal work exemplifies the technical achievement of German prints, transforming what was often a popular, sometimes crude art form into a vehicle for high artistic expression. Dürer, already a renowned master of engraving and printing, meticulously controlled the demanding line work necessary for the woodcut medium, using dense cross-hatching to achieve remarkable shadow, volume, and texture.

The subject centers on the legendary Saint George Slaying the Dragon, a popular theme in Renaissance iconography symbolizing the triumph of Christian virtue over evil and chaos. Dürer’s composition focuses intensely on the dynamic confrontation. The detailed articulation of the charging horse and rider, identified as Saint George, contrasts sharply with the leathery, scaled hide of the monstrous dragon writhing in the foreground, creating substantial dramatic tension. The knight’s careful placement and skillful handling of the spears underscore his heroic posture and imminent victory.

This iconic depiction demonstrates Dürer’s mastery of compositional balance and his profound influence on subsequent European artists, utilizing the graphic contrast inherent in black-and-white mediums. The print resides within the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of its historical significance and age, high-resolution copies of this Renaissance masterwork are frequently available in the public domain, allowing wide access to Dürer’s pivotal contribution to the history of prints.