Saint George on Horseback 1508 - 1518

Hans Burgkmair created this woodcut, Saint George on Horseback, in the early 16th century, a time of immense religious and social upheaval in Europe. It depicts Saint George, the Christian knight, triumphing over the dragon, a traditional symbol of evil. Burgkmair’s print participates in the visual culture of the Holy Roman Empire, marked as it was by the intersection of religious fervor and courtly life. The image, printed and disseminated, invokes a sense of Christian duty and moral rectitude at a time when the Church was being challenged. The emotional impact is palpable, Saint George’s bravery standing in stark contrast to the defeated dragon. Yet the figure of the princess in the lower right introduces another layer of complexity, inviting a narrative of gender, power, and salvation. The print not only reinforces conventional religious narratives, but also opens a space to reflect on the varied roles and experiences of those within its cultural context.