Saint George the Martyr is one of the most venerated Christian saints and the patron of Russia. In Russia, the cult of Saint George arrived in the 11th century. The earliest known depiction of the Saint dating from the 12th century appears in the frescos cycle St George’s Church in Staraya Ladoga.
The hagiography of St George tells a story of his victory over the monstrous dragon who demanded human victims, and his rescue of Princess Elisaba from death. The saint is portrayed sitting on a rampant horse with a flying scarlet cloak flying behind his shoulders.