Figure carving, Święty Jerzy zabijający smoka - 47.5 cm - Wood, Gold, Paint - 1890

Antique polychrome wooden sculpture – Saint George on horseback with the dragon

For sale is an unusually expressive, fully carved wooden sculpture of Saint George on horseback in combat with the dragon.

The sculpture depicts Saint George as a clad horseman with spear, while his horse strides over the dragon. The entire composition is strikingly dynamic and richly carved from all sides.

Particularly remarkable are the multitude of finely carved details, the painstakingly preserved historical mount, and the numerous plastic details on rider, horse, and dragon.

Art-historical classification

Probably Tyrol / Gröden (Val Gardena), late 19th to early 20th century, around 1900.

The design is stylistically very interesting in connection with the traditional Grödner wood sculpture, which in the late 19th century belonged to the most important centers of European wood carving.

The academically influenced interpretation of the saint, the dynamic rider composition, the detailed armor, the animated cloak, and the elaborate polychrome finish correspond to the craft context of the high-quality Grödner workshops.

Of particular interest is the possible proximity to the workshop tradition of Ferdinand Demetz (1842–1902) in St. Ulrich/Gröden.

Demetz belonged to the leading sculptors of the Grödner art landscape of the late 19th century. His workshop and the tradition associated with it profoundly shaped the demanding, academically influenced wood sculpture of the region.

Representations of Saint George on horseback with the dragon also belong to the well-known repertoire of forms of the Grödner sculpture of the time.

The present sculpture shows interesting compositional and stylistic parallels with this.

A direct attribution to Ferdinand Demetz is explicitly not claimed. However, a creation in the broader milieu or in the tradition of a renowned Grödner workshop seems possible.

This open attribution makes the piece interesting for collectors, as further scholarly examination could lead to a more precise assessment.

Especially interesting provenance

The sculpture also has a remarkable documented family history.

According to the consignor, the sculpture was in the same family’s possession for several generations. Family tradition states that it was commissioned by an ancestor from a woodcarver in the Tyrolean or alpine region.

The provenance is based on family tradition and is stated accordingly.

A provenance established over several generations generally fits very well with a high-quality, individually commissioned sacred or representative carving.

Execution and details

The sculpture is unusually richly worked:

- fully carved Saint George
- detailed armor with molded ornament
- elaborately carved helmet with plume/ornamental trim
- finely modeled face and complexion
- moving, deeply carved cloak
- plastically developed horse musculature
- detailed bridle and harness
- gilded decorative elements
- elaborately carved dragon with scales, claws, and open mouth
- spear as a characteristic attribute of Saint George
- richly worked, profiled base

The composition thus has an exceptionally representative character and an cabinet-friendly format attractive for a private collection.

Historical finish

Especially appealing is the preserved polychrome surface.

To be seen are:

White chalk/adhesive ground, polychrome paint finish, contrasts in color, and numerous gilded areas.

The surface shows pronounced historical aging with craquelure, wear, small flaws, and patina, especially in the more prominent areas.

These signs of use are not hidden as defects but are part of the sculpture’s historical appearance.

The finish has a very characteristic surface that has developed over decades.

Dimensions
Height: approx. 47 cm
Weight: approx. 3.5 kg

Condition
Age-appropriate, unrestored or not modern-reworked overall impression with historical signs of use.
There are worn areas, small gaps, and aging signs on the finish. Due to age and delicate construction, minor tension and wear marks are present.
Please examine the numerous detail photos carefully. The photos are part of the description and show the actual condition.

For collectors
A really decorative and historically interesting example of Alpine polychrome wood sculpture.
Especially interesting is the combination of:
• possible origin Gröden / Val Gardena
• dating around 1900
• elaborate polychrome finish
• rich carving work
• dynamic depiction of Saint George
• documented family provenance across generations
• possible proximity to the Grödner workshop tradition around Ferdinand Demetz

Regional attribution and dating represent a private art-historical assessment based on style, craftsmanship, and provenance. No guaranteed attribution to a specific artist is made.

Particularly for collectors of historic Tyrolean/Grödner wood carving, sacred art, Historicism, and polychromed wooden sculptures, this piece offers an interesting opportunity.

Viewing by appointment is expressly possible.

Secure shipping is possible; due to the delicate, relief-carved parts, personal pickup or handover is preferred.