Saint George Slaying the Dragon
1511
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1511
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Saint George Slaying the Dragon is a 1511 ink by Albrecht Altdorfer, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This woodcut shows Saint George on horseback with a spear, fighting a giant dragon wrapped around a woman. The scene is set in a rocky landscape with trees, a small castle, and a church in the background. The dragon’s tail coils around the woman, while Saint George looks determined. The artist used sharp lines and deep shadows to make the action feel dramatic. The dragon’s scales and the knight’s armor are detailed, but the background looks almost like a dreamy, distant place. Want to see more? Check out the technique: woodcut.
