Saint George and the Princess of Trebizond (detail)

On the right of the fresco St George, the golden-haired hero of the story, has dismounted after rescuing the princess, who stands in regal profile to the side of his horse. Most of the gold and silver that were glued onto the fresco have fallen away, but the sheer length of the princess train and the elaboration of St George’s armour suggest how alluring the surface must have been. In the background a magical city of Gothic towers and delicate tracery can be seen.