The majestic altarpiece with Saint George: the unification of scenes, exaltation in paradise

(Active in the 18th century) Large altarpiece with Saint George. The painting unites several separate scenes together. In the lower zone, Saint George fights the dragon and endures martyrdom. Most of the painting depicts the ascension of Saint George to heaven as a martyr. On a cloud pedestal carried by a large angel, Saint George humbly kneels in the characteristic attire of a Roman soldier or knight (however, with a breastplate bearing a cross). To his right is an angel with a martyr’s palm, and to his left—an angel with a spear attached to a flag with a white cross on a red background. The saint looks at Christ in heaven and at the cross, surrounded by numerous other angels. Saint George is a legendary Christian saint who, according to tradition, suffered at the beginning of the Christian persecution under Diocletian (284–305) and is considered one of the most venerated saints of the Middle Ages. He is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and also the patron of various countries, noble families, cities, knightly orders, as well as scouts. The iconography of this painting is especially remarkable due to the simultaneous depiction of several separate scenes and the flag, which may indicate that the commissioner was the Order of St. John (Order of the Knights Hospitaller) or the Order of Malta. Oil on canvas; 248 cm x 146 cm. Framed. Provenance: From the collection of an old North German hotelier family. South German artist, active in the 18th century.