St. George and the Dragon n.d.

Here we see an anonymous drawing of St. George and the Dragon rendered with graphite on paper. This depiction of St. George is rooted in medieval legend, a narrative popularized during the crusades and associated with ideals of chivalry and Christian virtue. Consider the historical context: the crusades were a series of religious wars with profound implications for cultural and political identities. St. George, the dragon-slaying hero, became a symbol of Christian valor against the "foreign" or "monstrous." He embodies a narrative deeply entwined with power, religion, and the justification of conflict. This drawing reflects and perpetuates a story of cultural and religious dominance, framing the dragon as a symbol of otherness to be conquered. Reflect on how such heroic narratives shape our understanding of history, influencing how we perceive identity, valor, and the ongoing tensions between different cultures.