Tinsel print, hand-painted, circa early 19th century

The print depicts 'St George and The Dragon' - the Cappadocian soldier who saved the princess from the evil dragon and converted the region to Christianity. The Saint knight gained popularity in England in the Middle Ages at the time of the crusades and during the reign of King Edward III (1327-1377) he became the patron saint of the English monarchy (as well as being the patron saint of Georgia and the Medieval kingdom of Aragon in Spain).

Tinsel prints were extremely popular during the first half of the 19th century as an artistic hobby for adults. Prints with depictions of the most popular stars of the London theatre scene or historical and fantastical characters were hand-painted in watercolour and then embellished with brightly coloured tinsel elements and other scraps of material, such as the feathers on Saint George's helmet in this example.

Framed.
30 x 21cm.

Fabric swatch: Arden printed velvet in blue by Zoffany