Artwork
St. George and the Dragon (3)
St. George and the Dragon (3) is a print by the Impressionist artist Claude-Ferdinand Gaillard. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. St.
- Accession no.
- 1997.232
- Credit line
- Anonymous gift in honor of Ray H. French
About this work
Overview
St. George and the Dragon, created in 1885 by French artist Claude-Ferdinand Gaillard, is a black-and-white drawing depicting the legendary Christian subject of Saint George battling a dragon. The work is characterized by loose, sketchy lines emphasizing movement and drama.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing illustrates the iconic Christian legend of Saint George slaying a dragon, a common theme in religious art. The scene unfolds with Saint George on foot, engaged in combat, while a horse with a figure on its back and a discarded sword nearby add to the narrative.
Technique & Style
Gaillard executed the piece using loose, expressive lines, creating a sense of dynamic movement and drama. The monochrome palette focuses attention on form and action rather than color, somewhat akin to the expressive qualities found in Impressionist works.
History & Provenance
Produced in 1885 during Gaillard's active period in Paris, the drawing is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Claude Ferdinand Gaillard (7 January 1834 – 19 January 1887) was a French engraver and painter, who had been born and died in Paris.
