Icone Viorel Badoiu

The composition presents a central figure mounted on a white steed, dominating the foreground against a stark black background. The rider is clad in vibrant red robes, adorned with intricate gold detailing that emphasizes their status and authority. A long spear is held aloft, its tip directed downwards towards a dark, reptilian form sprawled at the base of the scene. This creature’s posture suggests defeat and vulnerability; its head is lowered, revealing a gash from which blood appears to flow.
Behind this dramatic confrontation, a walled city rises, depicted in warm ochre tones. Within the city walls, three figures are visible: a regal man, presumably a king, alongside two women – likely his daughter and queen – who appear to be observing the scene with expressions of relief or supplication. The architectural style suggests a medieval or Byzantine influence, contributing to the painting’s overall sense of historical narrative.
The artist employed a flattened perspective characteristic of iconographic traditions. There is little attempt at creating depth; instead, figures are presented in a stylized and symbolic manner. The gold halo surrounding the central figure immediately signals their elevated spiritual status. The white horse, traditionally associated with purity and triumph, reinforces this sense of divine intervention.
The subtext here revolves around themes of deliverance and victory over adversity. The dragon, often interpreted as representing evil or chaos, is subdued by the mounted figure’s strength and righteousness. The presence of the royal family within the city suggests that the central figures actions have brought salvation not only to themselves but also to an entire community. The scene conveys a narrative of protection, courage, and the triumph of good over malevolence – a potent message communicated through carefully chosen iconography and symbolic color palettes.