St George Series – Male Nude – Studies of two Soldiers for ‘The Princess led to the Dragon’
A hand-painted replica of Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones’s masterpiece St George Series – Male Nude – Studies of two Soldiers for ‘The Princess led to the Dragon’, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.
Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, a prominent British artist and key figure in the Pre-Raphaelite movement, created the artwork titled St George Series – Male Nude – Studies of two Soldiers for ‘The Princess led to the Dragon’. This piece is part of Burne-Jones's preparatory studies for his larger series of works based on the legend of Saint George and the Dragon, a popular subject in Christian art and medieval literature.
The drawing features studies of two male nudes, likely intended to represent soldiers in the narrative of Saint George. Burne-Jones was known for his meticulous preparatory work, often producing numerous sketches and studies to refine his compositions and perfect the anatomy and poses of his figures. These studies demonstrate his dedication to the human form and his interest in classical ideals of beauty, which were central to the aesthetic principles of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.
The St George Series was a significant project for Burne-Jones, as it allowed him to explore themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the triumph of good over evil. The broader series includes several paintings and drawings that depict key moments in the Saint George legend, including the rescue of the princess and the slaying of the dragon. Burne-Jones’s work on this series reflects his fascination with medieval romance and chivalric ideals, which were recurring motifs throughout his career.
The studies of the two soldiers in this particular drawing highlight Burne-Jones's skill in rendering the human figure with a sense of grace and dynamism. The use of male nudes in preparatory studies was a common practice among artists of the time, as it allowed them to focus on anatomy and movement without the distraction of clothing or other details. These studies were likely executed in pencil or chalk, media that Burne-Jones frequently used for his preparatory works.
While the exact date of this drawing is not specified, it is consistent with Burne-Jones's artistic style and thematic interests during the late 19th century. His work during this period was heavily influenced by Renaissance art, particularly the works of Botticelli and Michelangelo, as well as by his collaborations with other members of the Pre-Raphaelite circle, including Dante Gabriel Rossetti and William Morris.
The St George Series – Male Nude – Studies of two Soldiers for ‘The Princess led to the Dragon’ exemplifies Burne-Jones's commitment to narrative art and his ability to convey emotion and drama through his figures. It remains an important example of his preparatory process and his contribution to the revival of medieval and mythological themes in Victorian art.
