George and the Dragon, St.
Iconography: George and the Dragon
Date: XVI century.
Material: Wood, tempera
Dimensions: height 50,5 cm, width 40,5 cm
St. and Grand Martyr George is one of the most venerated Christian saints, the patron of All Russian Land, warriors and peasants. On order of Emperor Diocleteus, he was decapitated for Christian faith in 303 AD. The hagiography of St. George tells a story of his victory over the monstrous dragon who demanded human victims, and his rescue of Princess Elisaba from death. The saint is portrayed sitting on a rampant horse with a flying scarlet cloak flying behind his shoulders. The distinctive features of the icon are half-length images of selected saints – the Mother of God Hodegetria, St. Nicholas, the holy martyrs Cosmas and Damian, grand martyrs Paraskeva Pyatnitsa and reverend Zosima.
Inv. № Ж-1255. © Radishchev State Art Museum, Saratov
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