Class
Article
College
Caine College of the Arts
Faculty Mentor
Alexa Sand
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
This research will examine the origins of the cult of Saint George in late medieval England, and will focus in particular on pilgrimage badges depicting the legend of Saint George and the Dragon. How did this saint become so important in England even though he was not an English saint, and what was the origin of the story of slaying the dragon and of George’s beheading? Saint George’s story is mythical, and the stories about his life seem unreal, as if he never really existed, but was instead a symbol of ideas in which the faithful trusted. I will examine the representation of George in late-medieval English pilgrim badges, asking where they were produced and for whom. Although some historical work has been done on the cult of Saint George in England, very little is known about the inexpensive but popular badges that pilgrims to his shrine or shrines collected. It is my goal to connect the historical picture to these small but significant traces of material culture.
Location
The North Atrium
Start Date
4-12-2018 12:00 PM
End Date
4-12-2018 1:15 PM
Saint George Slaying the Dragon: Medieval Pilgrim Badges in England
The North Atrium
This research will examine the origins of the cult of Saint George in late medieval England, and will focus in particular on pilgrimage badges depicting the legend of Saint George and the Dragon. How did this saint become so important in England even though he was not an English saint, and what was the origin of the story of slaying the dragon and of George’s beheading? Saint George’s story is mythical, and the stories about his life seem unreal, as if he never really existed, but was instead a symbol of ideas in which the faithful trusted. I will examine the representation of George in late-medieval English pilgrim badges, asking where they were produced and for whom. Although some historical work has been done on the cult of Saint George in England, very little is known about the inexpensive but popular badges that pilgrims to his shrine or shrines collected. It is my goal to connect the historical picture to these small but significant traces of material culture.