Mid-relief In Linden, Saint George And Saint Michael, Swabia, Circa 1500

Rare half-relief carved in linden wood representing Saint-Michel and Saint-George slaying the dragon, in a register of finely represented Gothic architecture with twisted columns. These two sauroctone Saints are the best known with Saint Martha and Saint Margaret in Christian iconography. They represent for believers the victory of Christianity over ancient Roman, Celtic or Germanic pagan beliefs. These saints defeat absolute evil, personified by a dragon. Beyond the fight against the devil (which will replace the dragon from the 18th century), it is also against natural forces (floods, storms) that these holy characters fight without mercy. Numerous traces of polychromy. Very nice presence. Germany, Swabia, spätgotik, circa 1500.