The artwork, “St. George and the Dragon,” created by John Ruskin in 1872, is a compelling piece from the Romanticism movement, classified as a sketch and study. It vividly depicts the legendary scene of St. George battling a fierce dragon, encapsulating the essence of chivalry and heroism.
Rendered with meticulous detail, the artwork portrays St. George, mounted on a rearing horse, in mid-combat with a menacing dragon. The fierce struggle is set against an intricately sketched backdrop which features a castle and a landscape filled with trees and an ominous sky. The dragon, with its wings outspread and tail coiled, presents a formidable opponent. The scene is imbued with dramatic intensity, characteristic of Romanticism, emphasizing raw emotion and the sublime. This study in composition and form reflects Ruskin’s mastery in capturing the dynamic interaction between the knight and the mythical beast, and his ability to blend realism with the fantastical.