Św. Jerzy z Wielkopolski. Meandry recepcji miedziorytu Albrechta Dürera
Saint George of Greater Poland. Meanders of the Reception of Albrecht Dürer's Engraving

Summary/Abstract: Research into the reception of Albrecht Dürer's art is one more means of investigating the phenomenon of the artist who already in his lifetime enjoyed extraordinary reputation. Importantly, the analysis of the artistic reflections of his works occasionally uncovers new aspects of the very works. Such are the conclusions that can be reached when the echoes of the 16th century engraving by Albrecht Dürer showing St George (B. 53) are investigated. Identifying the sign placed on the Saint's standard as the emblem of the Chivalric Order of the Knights of St George, Campbell Dodgson revealed the peculiar historical and political context of the print. In the light of this observation, the discussed work did not prove to be an ahistorical presentation of the legendary vanquisher of the dragon, but a reference to the contemporary dimension of the cult of the patron of Christian knighthood. The historic importance of St George as the patron of crusaders and defenders of the faith caused that in the 15th century it was to him that in view of the intensifying conflict with the Ottoman Empire appeals were made. That is exactly what Emperor Frederick III Habsburg did when establishing in 1467 the Order of the Knights of St George. Furthermore, St George became a special patron for his son Maximilian I who made the figure of St George an important instrument of his political and artistic propaganda...

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