The 19th-century Orthodox icon depicting Saint George slaying the dragon is a revered religious artwork that captures one of the most popular and enduring scenes in Christian iconography. This particular icon is typically painted on a gold background, which signifies the divine light and heavenly realm, emphasizing the sacred nature of the scene.
**Key Features of the Icon:**
- **Saint George:** Usually portrayed as a youthful, heroic figure in armor, mounted on a horse, wielding a spear or lance. His expression often reflects courage and divine strength as he confronts the dragon.
- **The Dragon:** Depicted as a menacing, serpentine creature, symbolizing evil or Satan, which Saint George defeats to save a maiden or to symbolize the triumph of good over evil.
- **Gold Background:** The use of gold leaf or gold paint is characteristic of traditional Orthodox icons, creating a luminous, otherworldly setting that highlights the spiritual significance of the scene.
- **Stylistic Elements:** The icon adheres to Byzantine artistic conventions, with stylized figures, frontal poses, and symbolic colors to convey theological meaning rather than realistic portrayal.
**Historical and Cultural Context:**
- The image of Saint George slaying the dragon has been a popular subject in Eastern Orthodox iconography since antiquity, symbolizing faith, bravery, and divine intervention.
- In the 19th century, there was a revival of traditional icon painting techniques within the Orthodox Christian community, often emphasizing meticulous craftsmanship and spiritual symbolism.
- Such icons were used in churches, monasteries, and private devotion, serving as visual aids for prayer and reflection.
**Artistic Significance:**
- These icons are valued not only for their religious content but also for their artistic craftsmanship, including the precise application of gold leaf, the use of rich colors, and the adherence to traditional iconographic standards.
- Collectors and museums highly regard 19th-century Orthodox icons for their historical significance and their role in preserving religious artistic heritage.
painted on gold, egg tempera, cypress wood.
size 22x17x2cm