c. 1560 - 1570
Landschap met Sint Joris en de gedode draak
Marco dell'Angolo del Moro
@marcodellangolodelmoroLocation
RijksmuseumListen to curator's interpretation
Curatorial notes
This print of Saint George and the Dragon was produced by Marco dell’Angolo del Moro, likely in Italy, at some point in the 16th century. It depicts the legendary battle between the saint and the dragon, but it's not just a straightforward illustration. The landscape dominates, presenting a complex terrain with mountains, water, and a distant town. The depiction of the natural world reflects the growing interest in landscape as a subject in its own right. The church in the background and the figure of Saint George could be seen as symbols of religious institutions and their power. The battle with the dragon could represent the church's triumph over paganism and the establishment of Christian order. Prints like this one circulated widely and helped to shape cultural values and beliefs. Art historians use a wide range of resources, from theological texts to social histories, to understand the complex meanings embedded in these images.