RAPHAEL – St. George defeating the dragon Louvre (Paris)

The composition presents a dynamic narrative scene set within a landscape that recedes into atmospheric perspective. A knight, clad in polished armor and mounted on a rearing white steed, dominates the foreground. He is poised mid-action, his lance extended towards a monstrous creature lying prostrate at his feet. The dragon’s form is rendered with considerable detail; its scales are meticulously depicted, and it appears to be wounded, exhibiting a sense of defeat rather than ferocious power. A broken spear lies near the beast, suggesting a preceding struggle.
The knights posture conveys both strength and controlled aggression. His gaze is fixed on his adversary, while his body leans forward, embodying readiness for further action. The horse’s dramatic rearing contributes to the overall feeling of movement and tension. Its white color contrasts sharply with the dark tones of the dragon, emphasizing the hero’s purity and triumph.
In the background, a female figure stands observing the scene. She is dressed in vibrant red robes and appears to be a princess or damsel rescued from the dragons threat. Her posture suggests relief and gratitude, though her expression remains somewhat ambiguous – perhaps tinged with apprehension or awe. The landscape itself is rendered with a degree of naturalism; trees are visible on the left side, while rocky outcrops define the background terrain.
The artist’s use of light is significant. It illuminates the knight and his horse, highlighting their heroic stature, while casting the dragon in shadow, reinforcing its role as an antagonist. The color palette is restrained but effective, with the white of the horse and the red of the princess providing visual focal points against a backdrop of greens and browns.
Beyond the literal depiction of a hero’s victory over a beast, the painting seems to explore themes of courage, faith, and deliverance. The dragon can be interpreted as a symbol of evil or adversity, while the knight represents virtue and divine intervention. The princesss presence underscores the idea of rescue and restoration. The overall effect is one of controlled drama and idealized heroism, characteristic of Renaissance artistic conventions.