A Saxony Princess with a Dragon

Inspired by Lucas Cranach’s A Princess of Saxony, this scene depicts a young princess encountering a dragon. With a limited colour palette that intensifies the drama, their flowing hair and flames merge as they converse both victims of circumstance. The princess has been sent by others as a sacrifice, while the dragon, unable to hunt, is reduced to devouring maidens. Throughout the historical records, women and girls are often nameless, remembered only as someone’s daughter or wife. The princess in the legend of Saint George and the Dragon remains unnamed (Golden Legend version), much like Cranach’s weary young Saxon princess. Here, she is given a central role in a new fairytale, her youthful yet world-weary expression, flowing hair, and ornate necklace in dialogue with the flame breathing creature. The composition explores the bond between the unnamed dragon and the unnamed princess. By rendering hair and flames as interchangeable, the image emphasises their parallel fates: both defined not by who they are, but by their roles in the stories of others- the hero and the king. 

Oil on board, 2024
35” x 47” (90 x 120 cm)
Price: £525

© Charlie Kirkham 2026
@charliekirkhamart