Genoa, 16th-17th century

Sculpted and carved walnut

58 x 136 x 6 cm.

Provenance: Roman Collection

The evocative bas-relief illustrates the triumph of St. George, a noble knight of the Christian faith originally from Cappadocia (in present-day Turkey), whose miraculous feat against the terrible Dragon has always been a favourite theme in art, thanks to its profound symbolic meanings capable of staging chivalric ideals and values.

The legend of St. George, both saint and knight, is based on the model of the battle led by the archangel Michael, exemplifying the struggle of Good against Evil, as described in the book of Revelation, from which it also draws the image of the dragon.

"He came one day to the kingdom of Silene, ravaged by the presence of a terrible dragon, and succeeded in killing the dangerous beast and saving the sovereign's daughter from the monster's jaws: as a reward he wanted neither honours nor money, but that all the people convert to Christianity".

St. George, immortalised here in the centre of the panel on horseback and wearing armour, is captured at the moment of his triumph over the Dragon, the supreme emblem of Evil, by stabbing it with a lance, while the princess in the background observes his valiant deeds.

The carving that characterises this bas-relief is part of the typical Genoese production between the end of the 16th and the beginning of the 17th century, and was probably originally placed above a fireplace or a door, or set in the woodwork of a patrician palace.

Always an object of special devotion in the city of Genoa, it was customary for the symbol of Saint George to be depicted above all on the portals of the houses of the most powerful and important families, starting with the Dorias, as 'protection' of the interior space.

Not everyone could have the honour of placing the ancient patron saint of the city as a surmount, but only those who had distinguished themselves for their warlike valour (e.g. galley captains if they had left their mark for daring and courage in combat).

As an example, in Via Canneto il Lungo 29r in Genoa, one can find one of the oldest representations of St George, a marble overlay dating back to the 15th century, whose composition is very similar to ours, with the two archangels on either side of the saint (link: http://www.amezena.net/edicole-e-portali/san-giorgio-in-canneto-il-lungo-29r/).

In the decoration, sculpted in a continuous manner, prominence is given to the warrior saint on horseback, placed in the central part, brandishing his lance and thrusting it into the throat of the dragon; here it is a vivid and powerful scene, presented with a skilful play of symmetries that, on either side of St. George, features two imposing figures of angels with large wings holding scrolls and two shields with the noble coat of arms.

The panel, sculpted with finely worked relief, emphasises the strong dynamic tension of the composition. The figures are rendered with a wealth of detail: the details of the hair, the faces, the rendering of the drapery and the Renaissance volutes highlight the carver's skill.

Similar carvings, with St. George and the Dragon, can be found in numerous palaces in Genoa, for example:

Very good condition, appropriate to the period.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold with a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card.

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It is also possible to see the sculpture in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be glad to welcome you and show you our collection of works.

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