Saint George and the Princess Sabra 1862

Dante Gabriel Rossetti's "Saint George and the Princess Sabra" presents a visually arresting composition of rich colours and intricate details, evoking a sense of medieval romance tinged with melancholy. The figures of Saint George and Princess Sabra dominate the scene, framed by the detailed patterns of the tapestry behind them. Rossetti's Pre-Raphaelite interest in symbolism is evident in the arrangement of objects and the use of colour. The warm, golden hues of Saint George's attire contrast with the cooler greens of Sabra's dress. This is creating a visual tension that mirrors the underlying themes of sacrifice and devotion. The placement of the chalice and Sabra’s act of reverence highlight a complex interplay between the sacred and the secular, challenging conventional notions of heroism and piety. Rossetti destabilizes the traditional narrative through his emphasis on the psychological depth of his figures, using formal elements to underscore emotional and thematic complexities. The painting’s strength lies in Rossetti's ability to merge aesthetic beauty with symbolic depth, inviting us to consider the layered meanings embedded within its structure.