Antique Russian Icon Saint George and the Dragon 19th century, 31x26 cm
Antique Russian icon depicting Saint George and the Dragon, originating from Moscow, Russia, and datable to the 19th century. The work measures 31.5 x 26.7 cm 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 center the warrior saint is shown on horseback piercing the dragon, a symbol of the victory of good over evil and of faith over hostile forces. Beside the main scene ...
Info and features
Antique Russian icon depicting Saint George and the Dragon, originating from Moscow, Russia, and datable to the 19th century. The work measures 31.5 x 26.7 cm 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 center the warrior saint is shown on horseback piercing the dragon, a symbol of the victory of good over evil and of faith over hostile forces. Beside the main scene appears the liberated princess, while rulers observe from the city walls. Above is the celestial sphere with Christ blessing, the divine presence that accompanies and sustains Saint George in his struggle against evil. Saint George holds an important place in Russian spirituality and is closely associated with the city of Moscow, of which he is patron and historical symbol; he was invoked as protector against corporal and spiritual enemies and, in popular tradition, for the protection of livestock, especially horses. His feast on April 23rd 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 religious icon is executed according to the traditional technique of egg tempera on levkas applied to a wooden panel. The work is accompanied by an expert appraisal and a velvet case.
Origin: Moscow, Russia
Period: 19th century
Technique: egg tempera
Materials: wood and levkas
Measurements: 31.5 x 26.7 cm
Subject: Saint George and the Dragon
Accompaniment: expert appraisal and velvet case.