Peter Paul Rubens’ St. George and the Dragon

The Legend of Saint George and the Dragon has many variations though most agree that there was a town being terrorized by a dragon living in a pond and a young princess was offered to the dragon.  When George heard about this he rode into the village determined to save the princess.  George rescued the princess, subdued the dragon and tied the princess’ belt around the dragon’s neck.  She led the dragon back to the town where the hero, George, slayed it.  The legend was popular in the Middle East and was brought to the rest of the world by the Crusaders.  Since that time Saint George has been associated with Knights and chivalry and his slaying of the dragon is seen as a symbol of the victory of good over evil. 

The Italian influence on Rubens’ painting is clearly seen in the drama-filled scene of Saint George and the Dragon. The princess on the left, said to represent the church, is classically painted resembling much of the Italian art Rubens encountered.  The brave Saint George dressed in shiny armor and helmet with crest and plume show the attention to detail as seen in the artwork of Northern Europe. 

Peter Paul Rubens known for his historical paintings of mythological and allegorical subjects painted his masterpiece Saint George and the Dragon while in the city of Genoa.  Rubens went to Italy in order to further his artistic training.  While in Italy Rubens saw paintings by Titan, Veronese, Tinitoretto, Michelangelo, Raphael, da Vinci and Caravaggio which had a direct effect on his painting.   He studied and copied classical Greek and Roman works.  While in the town of Genoa where Saint George is the patron saint he completed this painting.