St. George and the Dragon

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St. George and the Dragon

Artist Master FVB (Netherlandish, active 1480-1500)

Dateabout 1480-1490

Dimensions7 1/4 x 5 3/16 in. (18.4 x 13.2 cm)

MediumEngraving

ClassificationPrints

Credit LineWilliam J. Hitchcock Fund in memory of Grace J. Hitchcock

Object number

1987.169

Not on View

Label TextAccording to the story of St. George, a dragon lived near a city in Asia Minor. To appease the beast, it was given two sheep a day to eat. As the supply of sheep diminished, a young person was substituted for one of the animals. The daughter of the king was the next to be sacrificed when the chivalrous knight came onto the scene. He rescued the princess by killing the dragon. This is the dramatic event that Master FVB chose to depict. St. George’s slaying of the dragon was a popular story and many artists were inspired to interpret it. In TMA’s Gallery 19 another version by an anonymous French artist can be seen. Master FVB (full name unknown) is regarded as one of the most talented early Flemish engravers. He adopted the German engraving technique, using it to convey a painter’s vision. This print is one of eleven known to exist (first state before any changes were made) and one of only two in this country. It had for many years been in the collections of the Dukes of Devonshire at Chatsworth.Exhibition HistoryThe Passion and the Apocalypse: Albrecht Dürer's Renaissance, Oct 1,04 - Jan 2,05 Toledo Museum of Art, Looks Good on Paper: Masterworks and Favorites, Oct. 10, 2014-Jan. 11, 2015.