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This enamelled gold statuette of St George is the earliest known work of the famous court goldsmith, Johann Melchior Dinglinger. He was not quite thirty when he made it.

The saint is here venerated as the patron of an heraldic order. The medallion was presented to Elector Johann Georg the Fourth – August the Strong’s elder brother – in 1693, at a formal ceremony in Dresden Palace. The Elector had supported Britain in a war against France. As a mark of gratitude, he was awarded the highest order in British chivalry – the Order of the Garter. It was founded by King Edward the Third in the fourteenth century to bring together the sovereign and twenty-five of the most outstanding military leaders of the country.  Later, it was extended to include civilians as well. Since the fifteenth century, some foreign monarchs have also been made members of the Order – and the Elector of Saxony was one of these.

Johann Melchior Dinglinger has depicted St George traditionally. He is attacking the dragon with his lance and it is cowering on the forest floor – with various other animals. The medallion comprises many tiny pieces, including a large number of diamonds, which make it sparkle. You might be wondering how it could be worn, as custom required, on a dark blue sash over the left shoulder. Well, there is a tiny eye attached to the helmet, which can be threaded.