Schets van een standbeeld van H. Joris 1847 - 1899

Jacob Maris sketched this statue of St. George in the 19th century. Here, the saint embodies the chivalric ideal, clad in armor and poised with a dragon slain at his feet, representing the triumph of good over evil. The motif of St. George slaying the dragon has roots stretching back to ancient mythology. The dragon, a symbol of chaos, is defeated by the hero, echoing similar myths like Perseus rescuing Andromeda. Over time, this imagery became Christianized, with St. George representing Christ's victory over Satan. The enduring appeal of this symbol lies in its psychological depth. The battle between hero and monster speaks to our subconscious struggles against inner demons and external threats. This narrative is not linear but cyclical, reappearing across cultures. The slaying of a dragon is a potent symbol that continues to evolve, resonating with viewers on a primal level.