Saint George Slaying The Dragon, Loire Valley, Circa 1520-1530

A sculpture in the round depicting Saint George slaying the dragon. George of Lydda, born in 280 in Mazaca, Cappadocia, is a Christian martyr known for having slain the dragon, according to Jacobus de Voragine's "Golden Legend." Canonized in 494, he is the patron saint of Christian chivalry, of the Kingdom of Great Britain since 800 AD, of Georgia, and of armorers. He is an allegory of the victory of the Christian faith over the devil, or more broadly, of good over evil. There are some losses and wear, but the sculpture is of very high quality. The back is partially unfinished. Clad in armor and a belted tunic, his head protected by a helmet with a chin guard, the military saint is mounted on a rearing horse, leaping over the not-at-all-terrifying monster. France, Loire Valley, circa 1520-1530.