St. George, pray for us!
The legend of St. George dates back to the fourth century and begins with a dragon on the outskirts of a village. He demands tribute and sacrifice from the villagers, and they willingly sacrifice possessions and livestock to the dragon. Soon, the dragon begins to demand more, and the villagers begin to sacrifice human life to appease him. They attempt to even sacrifice the princess of the village, when St. George rides to slay the dragon, saving the princess.
All sorts of cultures have adapted and adjusted this legend and iconography to their own contexts. Sometimes the dragon is huge and monstrous, and sometimes it appears more like a serpent.
May St. George guide and pray for us to discern the dragons and serpents of our own time that demand humans sacrifice others’ humanity to keep themselves safe and comfortable.
12” x 18” matte, high-quality print.