Saint George c. 16th century

Editor: This is Lucas Cranach the Elder's Saint George, a black and white print. The saint is covered in armor and towers over two cherubic figures. It looks like a scene of triumph, but what kind? Curator: Well, images of Saint George often served a dual purpose in the 16th century. While celebrating religious iconography, they also subtly reinforced princely power and ideas of chivalry. Editor: So, this wasn't just about faith, but also about projecting an image of strength and authority? Curator: Exactly! Prints like this circulated widely, shaping public perception. Consider how the details of armor and heraldry would have been understood by contemporary viewers. The imagery creates a desired political narrative, not only a spiritual one. Editor: I never thought about religious art in that way. Thanks!