Offered by Poisson et Associés
Paintings, sculptures and art objects from the 15th to the 17th century
Magnificent sculpture depicting Saint George, Southern Germany circa 1500/1520 (Bavaria or Tyrol).
Polychrome and gilded lime wood sculpture, in a museum-quality state.
The work is reminiscent of an engraving by Dürer, "Saint George standing," dated 1507/1508, and is related to the work of Hans Klocker.
George of Lydda was born in Cappadocia into a Christian family. As a military man, he rose to the rank of officer in the Roman army, elevated by Emperor Diocletian to high military positions.
He is the patron saint of Christian knighthood and the Kingdom of England since the year 800.
Our sculpture represents the episode according to the Golden Legend:
At once, George mounted his horse and, strengthening himself with the sign of the cross, boldly attacked the dragon advancing towards him. He brandished his lance vigorously, commended himself to God, struck the monster forcefully, and brought it down. 'Throw,' said George to the king's daughter, 'throw your belt around the dragon's neck; fear nothing, my child.' She did so, and the dragon followed her like the gentlest dog. As she led him into the city, the people, witnessing this, began to flee in all directions, saying, 'Woe to us, we will all perish instantly!' Then Saint George signaled to them, saying, 'Fear not, the Lord has sent me expressly to deliver you from the misfortunes caused by this dragon alone. Believe in Jesus Christ, and each of you shall receive baptism, and I will slay the monster.' Then the king, along with all the people, received baptism, and Saint George, drawing his sword, killed the dragon and ordered it to be carried out of the city. Four pairs of oxen dragged it out of the city to a vast plain. On that day, twenty thousand men were baptized, not counting children and women.
