$57.00
This sculpture of St. George the Dragon Slayer was created by Gino Ruggeri and appears to be made of an alabaster compound (see history below). It’s very detailed and the surface has an aged patina creating the look of ivory. The base appears to be made of a black stone. It’s signed “G. Ruggeri” and I estimate it dates from the latter 1900s (perhaps the 1970s). Overall dimensions are 7.25″ tall x about 6.5″ at widest point. The sculpture is in overall very good preowned vintage condition, with a few nicks and a smudge shown in the last image, but nothing that detracts. The spear is not original. Great shelf-styling piece.
Out of stock
HISTORY (from online sources): Gino Ruggeri is consistently referred to by online sources as “one of Italy’s most well-known sculptors”; however, they all fail to provide any personal details, other than he was born in Volterra and was associated with the workshop of Tito Bianchi in Cecina, Italy, a prolific manufacturer of reproductions of classical and religious sculptures for worldwide distribution and, since 1987, owned by the heirs of Amilcare Santini (1910 – 1975), one of the firm’s early sculptors. Ruggeri is credited by some sources with developing a mixture of alabaster powder and resin, called Oxolyte, which makes the material more durable and waterproof.
George of Lydda (died April 303), also known as St. George the Dragon Slayer, was an early Christian martyr who is venerated as a saint in Christianity immortalized in the legend Saint George and the Dragon. Very little is known about George’s life. It is thought that he was a Roman military officer of Cappadocian Greek descent, who was martyred under Roman emperor Diocletian in one of the pre-Constantinian persecutions of the 3rd or early 4th centuries. According to tradition, he was a member of the Praetorian Guard but was sentenced to death for refusing to recant his Christian faith. He became one of the most venerated saints, heroes, and megalomartyrs (a classification of saints venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church and those Eastern Catholic Churches which follow the Rite of Constantinople) in Christianity. The earliest known record of the legend of St. George and the Dragon occurs in the 11th century. The tradition tells that a fierce dragon was causing panic at the city of Silene, Libya, at the time George arrived there. In order to prevent the dragon from devastating people from the city, they gave two sheep each day to the dragon, but when the sheep were not enough they were forced to sacrifice humans, elected by the city’s own people, instead of the two sheep. Eventually, the king’s daughter was chosen to be sacrificed, and no one was willing to take her place. George saved the girl by slaying the dragon with a lance. The king was so grateful that he offered him treasures as a reward for saving his daughter’s life, but George refused it and instead he gave these to the poor. The people of the city were so amazed at what they had witnessed that they became Christians and were all baptized.
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A WORD ABOUT VINTAGE: Our inventory consists of vintage or antique items which are more than 20 years old, usually used or pre-owned, unless marked “new old stock.” As such, there may be signs of wear and age, which we will disclose to the best of our ability. Nevertheless, we encourage you to carefully read the description and view the photos, especially when purchasing a gift. All items ship with tracking and insurance, and although we do not accept returns, we will offer a refund in case of breakage or damage during transit, upon receipt of sufficient proof.
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I purchased two items from this shop. They arrived surprisingly quickly, and it was evident that extreme care was taken to ensure they arrived safely. I greatly appreciate the attention and extra care when packaging up the items. How sad it would be to purchase an antique that has survived multiple generations, only to be destroyed by USPS! Thank you so much for a wonderful shopping experience!
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danicatheracecardriver –
Wonderful experience, meticulous packaging!
I purchased two items from this shop. They arrived surprisingly quickly, and it was evident that extreme care was taken to ensure they arrived safely. I greatly appreciate the attention and extra care when packaging up the items. How sad it would be to purchase an antique that has survived multiple generations, only to be destroyed by USPS! Thank you so much for a wonderful shopping experience!