Saint George Slaying the Dragon Follower of Raffaello Sanzio (Urbino, 1483 – Rome, 1520), 17th-18th century Oval oil on canvas 124 x 95 cm / Framed 148 x 118 cm The complete details of this work can be found directly at the following - LINK - The painting suggestively illustrates Saint George's triumph over the dragon, a noble knight of Christian faith originally from Cappadocia (in modern-day Turkey), whose miraculous adventure, full of symbolic meanings in the struggle between Good and Evil, has always been a favorite theme in art: in the Renaissance period, it allowed the staging of ideals and values of both chivalrous and religious type. The legend of Saint George, saint and knight at the same time, lays its foundations in the model of the battle led by the Archangel Michael, exemplifying the struggle of good against Evil, as described in the book of Revelation, from which, presumably, the image of the dragon is also taken. "One day he came to the kingdom of Silene, plagued by the presence of a terrible dragon, whose destructive force could only be contained by human sacrifices. It was the "soldier of Christ" who killed the dangerous beast and saved the sovereign's daughter from the monster's jaws, and as a reward he wanted neither honors nor money, but that all the people should convert to Christianity receiving baptism." Our painting is a good quality replica of one of the most famous creations of Raffaello Sanzio's activity, the "Saint George and the Dragon" [1] commissioned in 1505 by Guidobaldo da Montefeltro to be sent as a gift to Henry VII of England and now in the National Gallery of Art in Washington (Mellon Collection). Link In the painting, Saint George is captured at the moment of his triumph over the Dragon, emblem of Evil, while he pierces it with a spear. He is depicted according to traditional iconography, riding his steed dressed in shining armor, a crested helmet, while the iridescent red cloak appears inflated by the wind, enhancing the dynamism of the sculptural figure. Defiladed, to the right, is the princess, composedly praying and observing the hero in action with devotion; while behind her we can see a building, surrounded by an extensive wall to be protected from the dragon. This detail, not present in the original Raphael, is an addition by our author certainly to pay homage to the place of origin of the client or the place of destination of the work. The analysis of the general stylistic characters of the work allows us to propose a dating of the painting between the '600 and the '700, linked to an artist marked by Roman culture. Good condition. [1] Raffaello Sanzio, circa 1505, Oil on panel, Location National Gallery of Art, Washington SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The work is sold complete with a beautiful gilded wooden frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic sheet. We handle and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/