St. George and the Dragon

"St. George and the Dragon" is a small religious painting by the Italian High renaissance artist Raphael, created around 1505 as an oil on wood cabinet. The depiction shows Saint George slaying the dragon, symbolizing triumph and faith. Notably, the saint wears the blue garter of the Order of the Garter, reflecting Raphael's patron Guidobaldo da Montefeltro's award in 1504 by King Henry VII of England. The first word of the order's motto, "HONI," is subtly visible. Likely commissioned by the Duke of Urbino, the painting highlights the cultural prestige of Renaissance Italy and diplomatic ties with England.