Icon Great Martyr George the Dragon Slayer

St. George is one of the most revered saints in the Christian tradition, celebrated in both the Western and Orthodox churches. He is recognized as the patron saint of the poor, warriors, armorers, shepherds, and their flocks. He is also seen as a symbol of protection for homes and farms. According to tradition, St. George was martyred in 303 AD during the reign of Roman Emperor Diocletian.

Legend has it that St. George hailed from Cappadocia and served as an officer in the Roman army. His most famous tale recounts how he freed a Libyan city from the terror of a dragon, often referred to as a lindworm. The local people had come to worship the dragon as a deity, offering regular sacrifices of children to appease it. When the king’s own daughter was chosen to be sacrificed, St. George arrived on a white horse and, with a single thrust of his lance, struck the dragon in the throat. His heroic act saved both the princess and the city.

About the Icon: St. George the Dragon Slayer

The icon depicting St. George slaying the dragon originates from the Neumoscow School of Painting, which was founded by Peter the Great in 1730. This school sought to blend Western influences with traditional Russian iconography. The horse upon which St. George is mounted is rendered in a highly naturalistic style, while the overall composition of the icon reveals distinct Western artistic elements. The figures’ clothing, the architectural background, and the color palette all reflect this fusion.

Another distinctive feature of icons from the 18th century Neumoscow School is the expansion of the pictorial composition in the upper portion of the image. The background of this icon is intricately detailed, with imaginative elements including an image of Christ, blessing from a round aureole on a cloud bank.

At the top of the icon, there is an inscription in Church Slavonic, reading: "Image of St. George the Great Martyr."

This high-quality icon, dating from the second half of the 18th century, is a highly valuable collector’s piece. It represents a harmonious blend of Eastern iconography and Western painting traditions.