Knight Chess Piece

Unknown

ca. 1250 · Walrus ivory · Medieval Art

Although the number of Knights and Bishops on the chessboard is the same, more medieval chess pieces in the form of Knights survive. This example, perfectly poised on his fine horse, battles a dragon, a symbol of evil. But for the lack of a halo and a princess in need of rescue standing nearby, he might be mistaken for Saint George, who, according to legend, slayed a dragon.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1250

Medium

Walrus ivory

Culture

British

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917