Saint George and the Dragon c. 1465 - 1470

This round engraving by Israhel van Meckenem, created between 1465 and 1470, depicts the iconic Christian legend of Saint George slaying the dragon. Saint George, a valiant knight on horseback, plunges his spear into the dragon's mouth as it lunges towards him, a symbol of good triumphing over evil. The scene is set against a backdrop of a distant city and a lush landscape, further emphasizing the contrast between the sacred and the secular. The artist's meticulous attention to detail and use of hatching create a sense of depth and realism, while the composition's dynamism captures the intensity of the battle. This print, a popular subject in the 15th century, exemplifies the fusion of religious narratives and artistic skill during the Northern Renaissance.