Sant Jordi

Historical narrative

This bronze sculpture is Salvador Dalí’s Sant Jordi matant el drac (Saint George Killing the Dragon). Sant Jordi is the legendary Christian saint and dragon-slayer who became the patron saint of Catalonia. Mounted on horseback, the saint attacks a dragon with his lance, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The subject has deep cultural significance in Barcelona, where Sant Jordi is celebrated each April 23 with books and roses. The dynamic composition, aged bronze patina, and dramatic movement of horse, rider, lance, and dragon reflect the long Catalan tradition of portraying the saint as a heroic protector. Barcelona contains numerous notable interpretations of Sant Jordi by Catalan sculptors, including Frederic Marès and Josep Llimona. Steve discovered this sculpture when he ducked into the quiet, unassuming courtyard of the Reial Cercle Artístic de Barcelona (Royal Artistic Circle) at Carrer dels Arcs, 5, a historic building associated with the Institut Barcelonès d’Art.

Oil

© Stephen B. Hales — All Rights Reserved