Design for a Pendant with St. George and the Dragon 1889

Otto Seitz rendered this design for a pendant with pencil and wash in 1889. It depicts St. George slaying the dragon, a powerful allegory for the triumph of good over evil. The motif of the dragon, a symbol deeply rooted in the human psyche, appears in various forms across cultures and epochs. From the serpent of ancient Mesopotamian myths to the fire-breathing beasts of medieval lore, the dragon embodies primal fears and untamed chaos. Paired with Saint George, this iconography offers a fascinating glimpse into the eternal struggle between order and disorder. Consider, for instance, the dragon's representation in ancient Greek mythology, where it often guarded sacred places or treasures. This symbol has evolved, resurfacing in different contexts, mirroring our collective anxieties and aspirations. The image touches upon our deep-seated psychological need to confront and overcome our fears, a narrative that has been endlessly retold through art, literature, and myth. This pendant design encapsulates the cyclical nature of these symbols, revealing their enduring power to evoke profound emotions and resonate with our shared human experience.