St. George II (1911)

"St. George II" (1911) by Wassily Kandinsky is a vivid and dynamic painting that marks his shift toward abstraction and expressionism. At first glance, the painting may seem chaotic with its bold colors and shapes jostling for space, but it vividly portrays the narrative of St. George battling the dragon, a theme common in Christian art that symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.In the painting, you can discern the central figure of St. George, characterized here by more abstract forms. The lance, a critical element of the traditional narrative, dominates the composition as a bold, straight line, perhaps guiding the viewer's eye and separating various color planes and shapes. This line could be seen as a stabilizing force within the whirl of chaotic forms and colors around it.The dragon in this depiction is less conventional; it doesn't resemble a literal dragon but is instead represented by a multitude of abstract shapes and colors that might evoke the idea of a menacing, chaotic entity. Kandinsky uses stark contrasts in color and irregular, overlapping forms to convey the drama and intensity of the battle.The use of abstraction invites viewers to engage with the painting on a more personal and emotional level, encouraging them to feel the spiritual and moral struggle rather than simply view it as a bystander. Kandinsky’s work from this period often explored themes of conflict, spirituality, and transformation, and "St.