1468
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Saint George and the Dragon is a 1468 ink by Israhel van Meckenem, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a chaotic battle between a dragon and a group of people. Saint George, on horseback, is in the center, holding a spear toward the dragon. Around them, townsfolk with weapons try to fight off the beast while others flee or cower. In the background, a walled city with towers and domes looks under threat. Notice how the artist uses tiny parallel lines to create shadows and texture—this is called cross-hatching. The scene is packed with movement, but the city in the distance stays calm, like a quiet contrast. Next, check out how engraving works to see how artists like this one made detailed prints.
Israhel van Meckenem (c. 1445 – 10 November 1503), also known as Israhel van Meckenem the Younger, was a German printmaker and goldsmith, perhaps of a Dutch family origin. He was the most prolific engraver of the…
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