Saint George and the Dragon
Artist: Paolo Uccello
Year Composed: 1470
Artistic Movement: Renaissance
Nationality: Italy
Floor Found in Château: Second Floor
Year Composed: 1470
Artistic Movement: Renaissance
Nationality: Italy
Floor Found in Château: Second Floor
About the Artwork
One of the two different versions of Saint George and the Dragon within the Hall of the Art Thieves features the version by Paolo Uccello. The artist showcases the dragon as the central figure within the painting, as Saint George on horseback is on the right side of the canvas. The depth of the canvas is indicated through the patches of grass that extend into the background of the painting. The female figure on the left is actually seen holding a leash that is tied to the dragon, as Saint George's lance goes through the head and neck of the beast. The gruesome death of the dragon tied with the snow of the land adds to the cold, Gothic aesthetic of this Renaissance painting.
About the Artist
Mathematician-turned painter Paolo Uccello was known for pioneering point perspective in his paintings. Within this optical illusion (later enhanced by Leonardo da Vinci), viewers are able to visualize a three-dimensional space upon a two-dimension canvas or wall. Uccello used this illusion to create depth within his paintings, including The Battle of San Romano (1440) and his Saint George and the Dragon (1470), both of which feature prominently within the Hall of the Art Thieves.
About the Movement
Saint George and the Dragon was composed in the Renaissance Age of art. The Renaissance Age was a time, mostly known throughout Europe, that occurred during the 14th and 17th Centuries (or between the 1300s and 1600s). It lies between the Middle Ages and the Baroque Age. Literally meaning "rebirth", the Renaissance was a rebirth of Classical antiquity, allowing artists, writers, poets, scholars, scientists, and philosophers to study and pay homage to their ancient ancestors. During this time, artists were known for painting and sculpting works of Greco-Roman mythology or narratives from the Bible that showcased both cultural themes as well as themes of Christianity. Some of the most famous Renaissance artists included Michelangelo Buonarroti, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael Sanzio, and Tiziano Vecello (better known as Titian).
Location of Original Work of Art: National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
One of the two different versions of Saint George and the Dragon within the Hall of the Art Thieves features the version by Paolo Uccello. The artist showcases the dragon as the central figure within the painting, as Saint George on horseback is on the right side of the canvas. The depth of the canvas is indicated through the patches of grass that extend into the background of the painting. The female figure on the left is actually seen holding a leash that is tied to the dragon, as Saint George's lance goes through the head and neck of the beast. The gruesome death of the dragon tied with the snow of the land adds to the cold, Gothic aesthetic of this Renaissance painting.
About the Artist
Mathematician-turned painter Paolo Uccello was known for pioneering point perspective in his paintings. Within this optical illusion (later enhanced by Leonardo da Vinci), viewers are able to visualize a three-dimensional space upon a two-dimension canvas or wall. Uccello used this illusion to create depth within his paintings, including The Battle of San Romano (1440) and his Saint George and the Dragon (1470), both of which feature prominently within the Hall of the Art Thieves.
About the Movement
Saint George and the Dragon was composed in the Renaissance Age of art. The Renaissance Age was a time, mostly known throughout Europe, that occurred during the 14th and 17th Centuries (or between the 1300s and 1600s). It lies between the Middle Ages and the Baroque Age. Literally meaning "rebirth", the Renaissance was a rebirth of Classical antiquity, allowing artists, writers, poets, scholars, scientists, and philosophers to study and pay homage to their ancient ancestors. During this time, artists were known for painting and sculpting works of Greco-Roman mythology or narratives from the Bible that showcased both cultural themes as well as themes of Christianity. Some of the most famous Renaissance artists included Michelangelo Buonarroti, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael Sanzio, and Tiziano Vecello (better known as Titian).
Location of Original Work of Art: National Gallery, London, United Kingdom