Tile with a Dragon

The artefact comes from archaeological research carried out on the Wawel Hill in 1975. A plate tile, with a partially preserved collar, with a flat face without a rim, contains a representation of a dragon. The facing board was covered with lead glaze with a dark green colour. Glaze with imperfect technology and a fairly flat relief are characteristic of stove tiles from the second half of the 15th century found in Central Europe. The centrally positioned silhouette of the monster is expressive and dynamic. The dragon has a long, fancifully twisted tail, sharp elongated claws on its paws, spikes on its twisted neck and a body covered with scales. There is a bulbous thickening at the end of the tail, probably used to stun enemies. Folded wings are arranged diagonally over the body of the animal. The image of the dragon was part of the ideological programme of the entire tiled stove in the representative chambers of the royal residence. It can be assumed that on the adjacent tiles in the wall of the furnace he was accompanied by brave knights, heroes, and other fantastical monsters, creating an appropriate narrative discourse. The dragon as an emblem of evil or a symbol of magical protection in the context of the castle interior reflects the extensive and multi-meaning imagination of mediaeval artists and recipients. This also testifies to the unique role of the beast in knightly culture (images of dragons can be found in coats of arms, warrior's equipment, ornaments or elements of equipment for noble and knightly residences).