St. George and the Dragon

The St. George and the Dragon is a dynamic drawing attributed to the School or imitator of Raffaello Sanzio, called Raphael Italian, 1483-1520. This work, dating broadly between 1503 and 1799, reflects the immense influence of the High Renaissance master on subsequent generations of artists working in Italy. As a drawing, the work was executed using pen and gray wash, a precise technique that allows for the combination of strong linear definition with subtle tonal modeling. The artist enhanced the sense of volume and texture through delicate touches of black chalk applied to the cream laid paper.

The subject matter depicts the legendary Christian narrative of Saint George mounted on horseback, engaging the fearsome dragon to rescue the princess. The composition, characterized by dramatic tension and compositional equilibrium, aligns closely with the style and themes popularized by Raphael. The broad dating suggests that while the concept and design originated with the master, this specific execution may be a copy or close iteration produced by a follower decades or even centuries later.

This classification as a drawing indicates it may have served either as a compositional study or as a highly finished example prized by collectors for its draftsmanship and cultural connection to the renowned Umbrian painter. The meticulous use of wash demonstrates a commitment to achieving painterly effects even in the preparatory medium. This important historical work is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Drawings linked to the lineage of Raphael (1483-1520) remain crucial documents for understanding the development and dissemination of Renaissance artistic principles.