The artwork, titled “Saint George,” created by Orthodox Icons between approximately 1030 and 1130, is an exemplary piece from the Novgorod school of icon painting. Executed in tempera on wood, this icon belongs to the genre of religious iconography and forms part of the series depicting saints. Currently housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia, the artwork illustrates the revered Christian martyr, Saint George, in a manner characteristic of medieval Russian icons.
In the artwork, Saint George is portrayed as a solemn figure holding a spear in one hand and a sword in the other, symbolizing his role as a Christian warrior and protector. He is clad in intricately patterned garments that denote his status, with a red and gold tunic and an outer cloak. The background of the artwork is gilded, evoking a sense of the divine and emphasizing the saint’s holy nature. The use of tempera on wood is evident in the detailed brushwork and the preservation of colors, despite the visible aging of the piece. The icon reflects the spiritual and artistic values of the Novgorod school, emphasizing a deep sense of reverence and devotion in its presentation of Saint George.
