St. George and the Dragon, from a polyptych Cosimo Tura (1430-1495)

The composition presents a narrative scene divided into two distinct yet interconnected panels. On the left, a kneeling figure dominates the foreground, gesturing outwards with an open palm and extended arm. The posture conveys supplication or perhaps a gesture of warning directed towards the unfolding drama on the right. She is clad in flowing robes of deep rose hue, which contrast sharply with the muted greens and browns of the landscape behind her. A cluster of onlookers are positioned further back, observing the scene from what appears to be a raised platform or terrace, their expressions unreadable but suggesting collective apprehension.
The background features an elevated townscape, crowned by a structure resembling a fortified palace or temple. The vegetation is dense and lush, creating a sense of enclosure and emphasizing the isolation of the events taking place below.
On the right panel, a mounted figure confronts a serpentine creature emerging from the lower edge of the composition. The rider, depicted with dark skin, wields a long spear, poised for action. The horse is rendered in dynamic motion, its muscles taut as it leans forward to meet the threat. The dragon itself is not portrayed as monstrous or overtly terrifying; rather, it appears almost languid, its form sinuous and elongated. A scattering of leaves drifts down from above, adding a touch of melancholy to the encounter.
The color palette is restrained, relying on earthy tones punctuated by the vibrant rose of the kneeling figure’s garments. The artists use of perspective is somewhat flattened, contributing to a sense of formality and emphasizing the symbolic nature of the scene. The division between the two panels suggests a temporal sequence – the supplication preceding the confrontation – but also implies a thematic connection: the vulnerability of humanity facing an unseen danger, and the intervention of a heroic figure offering protection. The overall effect is one of quiet drama, imbued with religious significance and a sense of impending resolution.