William Wyon's St George and the Dragon

Given the rivalry that existed between William Wyon and Benedetto Pistrucci it is interesting to be reminded of Wyon's treatment of the classic theme of St George and the dragon. We are all very familiar with Pistrucci's interpretation but this much less well-known depiction shows Wyon's mastery of sculptural form and conveys an accomplished sense of fluidity.

Wyon's St George was used on the reverse of a personal medal commissioned by Prince Albert. The item illustrated here, however, is not a specimen of the medal but rather a bronzed copper electro measuring an impressive 23 centimetres in diameter. It was acquired by the Royal Mint some years ago and differs in a number of minor respects from a framed plaster model already in the collection.