On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01644
- Author
- Rubens, Peter Paul (Flemish)
- Title
- Saint George Battles the Dragon
- Chronology
- Ca. 1607
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 304 cm x 256 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
According to Jacopo de la
Voragine's Golden Legend, Saint
George slew the dragon that was
terrorizing the people of Silene,
saving a princess in peril.
In this painting, the Christian
hero rides a lively white stallion
and brandishes his sword against
the monster, which attempts to free
itself of the lance stuck in its
jaws. Behind them, next to a lamb,
the princess looks on.
This work was made in Ruben's
youth, during his trip to Italy and
is a perfect example of the
monumentality of his paintings from
that period, with strong, forceful
figures. Also characteristic of his
work from that time are the use of
directed light and very dynamic
compositions, as can be seen here
in the strong diagonal placement of
the horse, which practically
divides the canvas into two
parts.
Although this piece may have been
commissioned for the Church of San
Ambrosio in Genoa, it remained in
the artist's possession until his
death in 1640, when it was acquired
for Felipe IV at his auction.
Location on the map
