The “Saint George and the Dragon” sculpture in Stockholm is a famous wood and copper statue housed in Storkyrkan (Stockholm Cathedral). It was created by the German artist Bernt Notke and completed in 1489. The statue is a vivid representation of the legendary tale of Saint George, who is depicted as a knight slaying a dragon to rescue a princess.

The story of Saint George and the Dragon is rooted in Christian hagiography and has been a popular motif in Christian art, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. According to the legend, a dragon made its nest by the freshwater spring that provided water for the city of Silene in Libya. To appease the dragon, the inhabitants of the city would feed it two sheep every day, and when the sheep were not enough, they were forced to sacrifice humans. The victims were chosen by the city’s own people, and one day the princess was chosen. Saint George happened to ride past the lake, faced the dragon, and killed it with his lance.

The sculpture in Storkyrkan is particularly notable not just for its artistic merit but also for its historical significance. It was commissioned to commemorate the Swedish victory at the Battle of Brunkeberg in 1471, fought between the forces of the Swedish regent Sten Sture the Elder and the forces of the Danish king Christian I. In this context, the dragon can be seen as a symbol of the Danish king, while Saint George represents Sten Sture.

This piece of art is highly regarded for its dramatic and detailed depiction of the scene. The princess can be seen in the background, and the level of detail on Saint George and the dragon is remarkable. The sculpture is considered one of the finest examples of late-medieval European art.

The “Saint George and the Dragon” statue is one of the most cherished cultural treasures in Stockholm, drawing visitors who come to appreciate its historical and artistic significance, as well as its place in the rich tapestry of Stockholm’s history.