Landschap met H. Joris vechtend met de draak Possibly 1774

Richard Earlom created this print, "Landschap met H. Joris vechtend met de draak," sometime before his death in 1822. It depicts Saint George, mounted on horseback, locked in mortal combat with a dragon. Images such as this were a reflection of the socio-political landscape of the time, where Christianity and chivalry served as cornerstones of European identity. Saint George, the slayer of dragons, was a symbol of moral virtue triumphing over the savage and unknown. But let's think about the dragon for a moment. Often, in these narratives, it represents the 'other' – those cultures and belief systems deemed 'uncivilized' or threatening to the European order. Earlom's print, in its romantic depiction of this battle, actively participates in the colonial narrative, reinforcing the idea of European dominance. Consider how these historical representations shape our perceptions today. The battle between Saint George and the dragon is not just a heroic tale; it's a complex intersection of power, identity, and cultural narrative that still resonates within contemporary society.