St. George
- Date
- c.1568–84
- Material
- Engraving
- possibly made in
- Rome, Lazio region, Italy, Europe
- possibly made in
- Aquila, Abruzzi region, Italy, Europe
- Classification
- Prints
- Collection
- Prints, Drawings, and Photographs
- Current Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- plate (sheet cut to plate size): 10 7/8 x 8 9/16 in. (27.6 x 21.7 cm)
sheet: 10 7/8 x 8 9/16 in. (27.6 x 21.7 cm) - Credit Line
- Funds given by Jeanne Hartz
- Rights
- Public Domain
- Object Number
- 11:2006
NOTES
In this energetic and dynamic composition, the mythical St. George attacks the ferocious dragon in its lair, while the princess flees to safety. The dragon may have been associated with the Counter Reformation's desire to tie the image of St. George slaying the dragon to that of a saint overcoming Satan, known as "the great dragon, that old serpent." This print may thus present St. George as a demolisher of evil and sin.
This work is a reproductive engraving - a graphic print translated from the composition of an original painting so that it could be widely disseminated. Orazio de Sanctis not only developed a sophisticated system for replicating painterly effects, but interjected his own style and ideas into his renderings. This print shows a greater elegance and freedom of line than the original painting by Pompeo Cesura which is a stiff example of late Italian Mannerism.
This work is a reproductive engraving - a graphic print translated from the composition of an original painting so that it could be widely disseminated. Orazio de Sanctis not only developed a sophisticated system for replicating painterly effects, but interjected his own style and ideas into his renderings. This print shows a greater elegance and freedom of line than the original painting by Pompeo Cesura which is a stiff example of late Italian Mannerism.
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