SAINT GEORGE

 

Saint George (275-303) was a Christian soldier - a knight from Cappadocia. The Christian legend about him is based on pagan tradition of the coming of spring to the country. As a saint and martyr, he became a patron saint of armsmen and soldiers; furthermore, he was also proclaimed a patron saint of numerous settlements. He is depicted as a strong young man in a knight outfit on a white horse.

His attributes are shield and spear. The image of Saint George on a horse in a fight with the dragon is one of the best known and commonest depictions in Christianity. His name day on 23 April denotes the return of spring, resurrection and progress.

On the staircase, two works of oil on canvas are presented, the first from the early 18th century, the other from the 19th century, featuring Saint George killing the dragon. Also presented is Saint George flag with the Piran city coat of arms from the times of the Austrian and Austro-Hungarian rule. His shield is painted in blue, in contrast to the usual white shield.