The artwork “St. George on Horseback” is an engraving created by Albrecht Dürer in 1505. This piece is a representation of Dürer’s skills during the Northern Renaissance and reflects the religious painting genre. It embodies the fine detail and craftsmanship typical of engravings from this period.
In the engraving, St. George is depicted as a chivalrous knight mounted on a robust horse. He is shown in full armor, with a large halo around his helmet, indicating his sainthood. The saint wields a long lance which he uses to dispatch a fearsome dragon lying defeated beneath his horse. The dragon appears to be writhing in its last moments, with exquisite detail marking its scales and the contortions of its body. The horse stands with confidence and poise over the dragon, showcasing strength and composure.
The detail and texture in the artwork are meticulous, showcasing Dürer’s mastery of line and shadow to create the forms and the illusion of dimensionality. Various aspects of Dürer’s signature style are evident, including careful attention to the textures of the knight’s armor, the horse’s physique, and the dragon’s scales.
Additionally, the date “1508” is visible on a small plaque in the lower central portion of the composition, marking the time of creation, and Dürer’s monogram (AD) is placed beside it, signifying his authorship of the piece. The entire scene embodies the virtues of courage and faith that St. George represents in Christian tradition, and Dürer’s artwork celebrates these qualities through this vivid and intricate portrayal.
