Saint George and the Dragon

Oil on panel

32 x 42 cm

Framed 47 x 57 cm

Provenance: Hampel Munich, 31 March 2017, lot 854 (Alesso Baldovinetti, circle, €10,000-15,000)

https://www.hampel-auctions.com/a/Alesso-Baldovinetti-1425-Florenz-1499-Umkreis.html?a=109&s=550....

This interesting painting, executed in oil on wood, illustrates the triumph of Saint George, a noble knight of the Christian faith, whose amazing adventure against the dragon, imbued with symbolic meanings in the struggle between Good and Evil, has always been a favourite theme in art: during the Renaissance, it allowed both chivalrous and religious ideals and values to be portrayed.

'One day, a terrible dragon appeared in the kingdom of Silene, whose destructive force could only be contained by human sacrifices. It was the “soldier of Christ” who killed the dangerous beast and saved the king's daughter from the monster's jaws. As a reward, he asked for neither honours nor money, but that all the people convert to Christianity and be baptised."

In the painting, Saint George, both saint and knight, is captured at the moment of his triumph over the dragon, as he pierces it with his spear.

He is depicted according to traditional iconography, riding his steed, dressed in shining armour and a crested helmet, while his iridescent red cloak appears to be billowing in the wind, enhancing the dynamism of the sculptural figure. In the background, the princess is shown in a state of terror, praying for her salvation.

Analysis of the characters allows us to attribute the work to a Renaissance painter of Tuscan culture, specifically Florentine, although the pictorial styles are more archaic and refer to earlier painting.

In particular, the work bears a traditional attribution to the Florentine Alessio Baldovinetti (Florence, 1427 - Florence, 1499), an Italian painter and draughtsman of the early Renaissance, known for his clear and accurate style and innovative use of light based on the models of Paolo Uccello, Giovanni di Francesco and Andrea del Castagno.

The bright and contrasting colour palette, the narrative expression that skilfully renders the fairy-tale atmosphere of the episode and the particular interest in the landscape are elements that support this association with the painter, specifically in the late phase of his long career.

Very good condition, with restoration and repainting.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work sold is completed by a pleasant frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and guarantee.

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