Raphael Trail: The Secret History of One of the World's Most Precious Works of Art

by Joanna Pitman

St George and the Dragon is a supremely beautiful painting. It is an exquisitely rendered vision of a universal tale of good and evil. And it is also an example of how art witnesses and participates in the ebb and flow of world power. For its artist Raphael the painting represented a crucial step in his ascent to the peak of the Renaissance art world and for a succession of jealous owners it was the ultimate symbol of power and prestige. Painted for Henry VII the painting then played a crucial part in the diplomatic intrigues in Henry VIII's rumbustious court. After Charles I's execution it moved through France into the gathering power and purchases of Catherine the Great and her Hermitage. It is a small work of art and during the Russian Revolution its vulnerability was perilous - it was shunted around Russia as war raged until, in an utterly dodgy transaction it was sold by Stalin to the US Treasury Secretary, into the grips of a new world power.

Genres: Art, History

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 25, 2011

Reviews

[Rachel Coleman]

Others have rated this as only 2 or 3 stars and if you look at this book from the point of view of an art historian I might agree. This is not the sort of book I would refer to for my degree in History of Art.
However as a non-academic read I really enjoyed this. Pitman has embarked on what sounds like an incredible journey tracing the story of Raphael's 'St George and the Dragon'. The historical context of this painting makes up the book and it reads almost like a thriller. It was fun to read and I certainly learned from it.

[Rita]

Very interesting book that makes you think about the history of paintings. As the author said you are told about the artist and style but not about previous owners. I liked the personal info from the author about how she feels about the painting.

This painting is in the National Gallery in Washington DC.