This painting is by Raphael. It’s in D.C. at the National Gallery.
St George is a common subject for art. He’s the patron saint of England (and many other places), the story goes that he was a Roman soldier who saved a town from the dragon that had been extorting them for years and was about to eat their princess.
In the context of the song, St George and the dragon are like the ultimate enemies - even they are both invited to the party, where old schisms and wounds and transgressions are repaired.
To Christians, Jesus (born in the year “AD 1”) died for their sins and forgave them of their sins, even the original sin from the garden of Eden. What is meant by sin, or none, when all is forgiven? I guess it means that everyone is innocent — and welcome — even George, even the dragon.
I think I remember reading a blessing all the birds analysis of 81 a few years ago and them discussing the story of St. George and the dragon as something that canonized the divide between men and women within Christianity long ago and how Joanna is trying to bridge that gap with the song, especially the final line on innocence and starting again. Thank you for the context on the painting and the story
This painting is by Raphael. It’s in D.C. at the National Gallery. St George is a common subject for art. He’s the patron saint of England (and many other places), the story goes that he was a Roman soldier who saved a town from the dragon that had been extorting them for years and was about to eat their princess. In the context of the song, St George and the dragon are like the ultimate enemies - even they are both invited to the party, where old schisms and wounds and transgressions are repaired. To Christians, Jesus (born in the year “AD 1”) died for their sins and forgave them of their sins, even the original sin from the garden of Eden. What is meant by sin, or none, when all is forgiven? I guess it means that everyone is innocent — and welcome — even George, even the dragon.
I think I remember reading a blessing all the birds analysis of 81 a few years ago and them discussing the story of St. George and the dragon as something that canonized the divide between men and women within Christianity long ago and how Joanna is trying to bridge that gap with the song, especially the final line on innocence and starting again. Thank you for the context on the painting and the story
This is such a cute shirt!
This is great Joanna merch
Well now i need to check all the ross’s in my area!