Here in little old Clinton, Massachusetts a Museum of Russian Icons has just been opened. Shown above is the icon of St. George slaying the dragon. It's description:
Title: Saint George Slaying the Dragon
Date: c.1500
Description: The theme of Saint George Slaying the Dragon is one of the most popular in Russian Iconography. The dragon symbolized evil in the form of paganism. Therefore, the image of the Saint slaying the dragon was a symbol of a heathen country being converted to Christianity.
Legend tells us that many children were sacrificed to appease the dragon and when it came for the daughter of the king to be sacrificed Saint George appeared on a horse. With the words In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Saint George drew his lance and knocked the dragon to the ground. His horse then trampled the dragon to death
For a little background on how the collection got started and why you can go here.
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