Icon of Saint George on Horseback (Efippos) — Slaying the Dragon

This hagiography depicts Saint George on horseback (Efippos), spearing the dragon — one of the most recognizable scenes in Orthodox iconography. The vertical 82 x 21 cm format accentuates the momentum of the rider and his mount, in a full-body composition that fills the entire height of the wood.

Saint George the Great Martyr was born in Nicomedia, Bithynia, between 275 and 281 AD. His father Gerontius, a career soldier, came from Cappadocia, while his mother Polychronia was from Lydda in Palestine. Raised in a Christian household, George joined the ranks of the Roman army at a young age, where his bravery soon earned him command of the imperial guard.

When Diocletian launched his persecutions against Christians in 303, George refused to obey orders and openly confessed his faith. He then endured terrible torments — speared, his flesh torn, forced to walk in red-hot metal shoes — yet emerged unharmed by divine grace. Diocletian finally ordered his beheading. The Orthodox Church commemorates Saint George the Trophy-bearer on April 23.

Hand-painted on aged wood, this icon pairs a 24-karat gold background with areas of faux gold, creating an interplay of texture and shine specific to this piece.

Made as a one-of-a-kind piece, this hagiography is particularly well suited to a church wall, a spacious devotional space, or as a gift for someone named George.

Given for the feast of Saint George, a baptism, or to enrich a collection of religious items, this icon of Saint George on horseback combines narrative scale with biographical depth.