Saint George and the Dragon 1825 - 1830

Moritz von Schwind rendered this drawing of Saint George and the Dragon with pen and brown ink in the 19th century. The legend of Saint George, a heroic figure slaying a dragon to save a princess, had become a popular subject in art, embodying Christian virtue triumphing over evil. Made in Germany, this artwork reflects the cultural and religious values prevalent at the time. The rise of nationalism and romanticism influenced artists to draw inspiration from folklore and legends. Religious institutions often commissioned or collected such works to reinforce moral and spiritual teachings. The popularity of the Saint George legend can also be seen as a reflection of the social and political climate, where notions of heroism and righteousness were highly valued. To understand this artwork better, one could research the history of religious art and the cultural context in which von Schwind was working. Examining social and institutional factors helps us appreciate the complex layers of meaning embedded in the image.