Description
Carved wood figure painted in polychrome with gold highlights representing Saint George and the Dragon Spain or Italy, circa 1800 Resting on a square wooden base of later period Height: 156cm (without the base). Wear and tear A carved polychrome wood group depicting Saint George and the Dragon, Spanish or Italian, circa 1800 Saint George was a soldier of the Roman emperor Diocletian (r. 284-305) who became a Christian martyr when he preferred torture and death to renouncing his faith. Revered by both Muslims and Christians during the medieval period, St. George was renowned for his bravery. A 13th century account tells of his saving the entire population of the Libyan city of Silene from a dragon by single-handedly defeating the creature in battle. This sculpture shows Saint George with his right foot pressing on the neck of the defeated dragon. St. George became the patron saint of the Crusaders and of many chivalric orders, including the Order of the Garter created by the King of England, Edward III, in 1348. Condition report General chips, losses and scratches consistent with age and handling. Few vertical shrinkage cracks. Old restorations. Areas of the polychrome decoration refreshed. Traces of old woodworm. Dust and dirt in the recesses. Expert : Isabelle d'Amecourt
152
Carved wood figure painted in polychrome with gold highlights representing Saint George and the Dragon Spain or Italy, circa 1800 Resting on a square wooden base of later period Height: 156cm (without the base). Wear and tear A carved polychrome wood group depicting Saint George and the Dragon, Spanish or Italian, circa 1800 Saint George was a soldier of the Roman emperor Diocletian (r. 284-305) who became a Christian martyr when he preferred torture and death to renouncing his faith. Revered by both Muslims and Christians during the medieval period, St. George was renowned for his bravery. A 13th century account tells of his saving the entire population of the Libyan city of Silene from a dragon by single-handedly defeating the creature in battle. This sculpture shows Saint George with his right foot pressing on the neck of the defeated dragon. St. George became the patron saint of the Crusaders and of many chivalric orders, including the Order of the Garter created by the King of England, Edward III, in 1348. Condition report General chips, losses and scratches consistent with age and handling. Few vertical shrinkage cracks. Old restorations. Areas of the polychrome decoration refreshed. Traces of old woodworm. Dust and dirt in the recesses. Expert : Isabelle d'Amecourt
