Saint George c. 1460 - 1470

This woodcut illustrates Saint George slaying the dragon, a morality tale of good triumphing over evil. Consider the dragon, a symbol that sprawls across centuries, from the Babylonian Tiamat to the Norse serpent Jörmungandr. Here, the defeated dragon mirrors the eternal struggle between order and chaos. This motif transcends geographical boundaries, appearing in ancient Greek myths as the Hydra, and even in Far Eastern legends as powerful, revered deities, embodying a dual nature of destruction and creation. The image subtly incorporates the princess, who embodies purity and salvation. Her presence enriches the psychological resonance of the woodcut, transforming Saint George’s act into one of both heroism and protective love. The image reflects the perpetual dance of symbols across cultures and time, ever evolving and ever present.