Saint George I (1911)

The artwork "Saint George I" by Wassily Kandinsky, painted in 1911, displays a vivid and dynamic interpretation of the legendary figure Saint George, traditionally depicted as a dragon slayer. In this painting, Kandinsky takes a modernist approach that leans towards abstraction, yet retains recognizable elements that anchor the narrative.The central figure in the painting, presumably Saint George, is depicted energetically, with bold, sweeping lines and intense colors that suggest movement and chaos. This may represent the battle with the dragon—a traditional subject in depictions of Saint George. Instead of a clearly defined dragon, we see abstracted forms that may suggest the creature, rendered in dark colors and chaotic shapes, seemingly intertwined with the figure of Saint George.Kandinsky's use of color is vibrant and expressive, with rich blues, deep blacks, and radiant yellows creating a sense of depth and emotion. The design elements show his breaking away from realistic portrayal towards greater abstraction. The forms are fragmented and reassembled in such a way that they seem to pulse with kinetic energy.This work from Kandinsky’s early period showcases his transition from figurative painting to more abstract compositions. The use of abstract shapes, intense color palettes, and dynamic motion characterizes the emotional and spiritual intensity that Kandinsky aimed to invoke in his viewers.