Antique Russian icon of Saint George and the Dragon, 19th century, 12.4x10.5 in
Antique Russian icon of Saint George and the Dragon, 19th century, 12.4x10.5 in.
Antique Russian icon depicting Saint George and the Dragon, from Moscow, Russia, dating to the 19th century. The work measures 12.4x10.5 in and is executed in egg tempera on wood with levkas.
The iconography of Saint George slaying the dragon is among the most widespread in the Eastern Christian tradition. At the centre the saintly warrior is shown mounted while piercing the dragon, symbolising the victory of good ove...
Info and features
Antique Russian icon of Saint George and the Dragon, 19th century, 12.4x10.5 in.
Antique Russian icon depicting Saint George and the Dragon, from Moscow, Russia, dating to the 19th century. The work measures 12.4x10.5 in and is executed in egg tempera on wood with levkas.
The iconography of Saint George slaying the dragon is among the most widespread in the Eastern Christian tradition. At the centre the saintly warrior is shown mounted while piercing the dragon, symbolising the victory of good over evil and of faith over hostile forces.
Beside the main scene the freed princess appears, while the sovereigns watch from the city walls. In the upper register the celestial sphere with Christ blessing is traditionally depicted, a divine presence that accompanies and sustains Saint George in his struggle against evil.
Saint George holds an important place in Russian spirituality and is especially connected to the city of Moscow, where he is patron and historical symbol. He was invoked as protector against bodily and spiritual enemies and, in popular tradition, also for the safeguarding of livestock, particularly horses.
His feast on April 23 has long been associated with the return of spring and the renewal of life, reinforcing the saint's symbolism of victory, protection and rebirth.
The icon is executed in the traditional technique of egg tempera on levkas applied to a wooden panel and represents a significant subject of 19th-century Russian religious and iconographic culture.
The work is accompanied by an expert appraisal and presented in a velvet case.
Provenance: Moscow, Russia
Era: 19th century
Technique: egg tempera
Materials: wood, levkas
Dimensions: 12.4x10.5 in
Subject: Saint George and the Dragon
Contents: expert appraisal and velvet case.