Saint George and the Dragon c. 1506

Raphael painted Saint George and the Dragon with oil on wood, capturing the legendary moment of good versus evil. Here, the knight, a symbol of courage and moral strength, confronts the dragon, a motif representing chaos and the untamed forces of nature. Notice the cross on Saint George's armor, a powerful emblem that links the narrative to themes of religious and moral victory. This symbol is not confined to Christian art; similar emblems of spiritual conquest appear across cultures, echoing a universal longing for order and redemption. Consider how the image of the dragon has evolved - from the fearsome beasts of ancient myths to the more complex, sometimes even sympathetic, figures in modern fantasy. Such transformations reflect our shifting relationship with the unknown and the subconscious. This scene, charged with dynamic tension, engages us on a primal level, stirring deep-seated emotions tied to our collective quest for safety and triumph over inner turmoil. The enduring mythos of Saint George reminds us of the cyclical, non-linear progression of symbols throughout history, constantly reappearing and adapting to new cultural landscapes.