Saint George

Due to the poor condition of the icon and the complete decomposition of the wood, the layer of painting was transferred to canvas in 1963. The original dimensions of the icon must have been at least 30 to 35 cm wider, while a small portion of the top and bottom of the panel seems to have been cut off. Saint George is depicted standing with both feet on the coiled body of the dragon, turning his torso backwards while he plunges the spear into the monster’ s open mouth. In his left hand he holds a round shield. Near the right corner above, the blessing of God appears. This depiction, with the saint standing on the dead dragon, is not common in byzantine art. This fact, along with the frequency of this theme in western art as well as in Venetian Crete, during the 15th century, suggests that the icon of St. George of Patmos must copy the characteristics of the earlier Cretan type, a fact that is further supported by the early Venetian motives employed in abundance in the decoration of the cuirass. The icon of Patmos, due to its faultless execution and its mature design, must be considered as the work of an exquisite artist of the Cretan school.