Buy Hand Made Painting Buy Hand Made PaintingSwitch to Digital Image Switch to Digital Image SendSend
DetailsDetails Add to favorites Add to favorites DownloadDownload SimilarsSimilars DiaporamaDiaporama StatsStats

US Soldier Battling Dragon

A dramatic bronze-style depiction of a US soldier striking down a dragon captures heroic struggle in this 1917 piece by Edvard Petersen, inviting you to explore the power of this historical narrative for your collection.

Edvard Petersen (1841-1911): Danish painter of romantic landscapes & realist Copenhagen scenes. Designer of the iconic Stork Fountain. Explore his 19th-century art!

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. (Buy Hand Made Painting Buy Hand Made PaintingSwitch to Digital Image Switch to Digital Image)

Standard
custom
CM
INCH

Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.

width
height

You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the image with a mirrored or solid-fill edge. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.

Worldwide Delivery () in 2 weeks instead of standard 4/5 weeks. (10 September)

why_choose_icon
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
why_choose_icon
High-Quality Linen Canvas
why_choose_icon
Full Shipping Insurance
why_choose_icon
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
why_choose_icon
True Color Matching Guarantee
why_choose_icon
100-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
why_choose_icon
100% Money-Back Guarantee
why_choose_icon
Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

$ 69

reproduction

US Soldier Battling Dragon

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 69

Quick Facts

  • Year: 1917
  • Title: US Soldier Battling Dragon
  • Notable elements or techniques: Embossed design, realistic detail, patina
  • Artist: Edvard Petersen
  • Medium: Bronze medal

A Heroic Encounter in Bronze

In the evocative piece titled US Soldier Battling Dragon, we are transported into a moment of profound tension and mythic struggle. Though the work captures the essence of a bronze medal from 1917, it breathes with the vitality of an epic legend. The central focus is a soldier, rendered with striking realism, caught in the kinetic heat of combat. With a sword gripped firmly in his right hand, he descends upon a serpentine dragon, a creature of shadow and scales that represents the ultimate adversary. The composition is masterfully balanced, capturing not just a physical fight, but a cinematic snapshot of bravery against overwhelming odds. Every detail, from the textured scales of the beast to the determined posture of the soldier, invites the viewer to step into this timeless arena of conflict.

The artistry behind this depiction suggests a deep reverence for classical storytelling and sculptural precision. The style leans heavily into realism, where the weight of the bronze is felt through the visual depth of the embossing. As the eye wanders from the central struggle to the periphery, it discovers secondary figures that add layers of allegorical meaning. To the left, a contemplative figure with a flowing beard—perhaps a philosopher or an ancient deity—watches the fray with a stoic gaze, while on the right, a civilian observer in a hat provides a sense of grounded, human witness. This interplay between the mythic and the mundane creates a rich tapestry of meaning, suggesting that the battles we fight are watched by both history and humanity alike.

Symbolism and the Triumph of Spirit

Beyond the immediate action, US Soldier Battling Dragon serves as a powerful allegory for the triumph of good over evil. The dragon, with its gaping maw and menacing presence, symbolizes the chaotic forces of destruction and fear that threaten civilization. In contrast, the soldier represents order, courage, and the indomitable human spirit. This theme of heroism is timeless, making the piece an emotionally resonant choice for collectors who value art that speaks to resilience and strength. The aged patina and weathered edges of the work further enhance this narrative, lending it a sense of historical gravity as if the medal itself has survived the very eras of conflict it depicts.

For the discerning interior designer or art enthusiast, this piece offers more than mere decoration; it provides a focal point of intellectual and emotional depth. Whether placed in a study filled with leather-bound books or as a conversation starter in a contemporary gallery setting, its rugged, historical aesthetic complements both classical and modern environments. Owning a high-quality reproduction of such a work allows one to bring the weight of history and the thrill of legend into a personal space, creating an atmosphere of prestige and profound storytelling.


Artist Biography

Edvard Petersen: Life and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Edvard Petersen (born February 4, 1841, in Copenhagen, Denmark; died December 5, 1911) was a prominent Danish painter. He began his artistic journey by attending the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts from 1851, laying the foundation for his future career.

Artistic Development and Influences

Petersen’s early work, during the 1860s and 1870s, was heavily influenced by Vilhelm Kyhn, resulting in romantic landscape paintings. He developed a close friendship with fellow painter Theodor Philipsen, and together they embarked on several travels, including two extended stays in Italy (between 1875 and 1880) and a visit to France. Despite these experiences, Petersen maintained a relatively conservative style; his paintings from abroad generally depicted traditional scenes of local life.

Shift Towards Realism

In the 1880s, Petersen’s artistic focus shifted towards figure painting and realist depictions of street life in Copenhagen. This change was influenced by the French Realist movement, allowing him to capture the everyday lives of ordinary people with greater accuracy and detail.

Major Works and Achievements

  • Emigrants on Larsens Plads (1890): Perhaps Petersen’s most famous work, this painting poignantly captures a scene of Danish emigrants departing for America.
  • A Return, the America Liner at Larsens Plads (1894): A companion piece to “Emigrants,” depicting the return journey and offering a contrasting perspective on emigration.
  • Stork Fountain (1904): Petersen won the competition for the design of this iconic fountain in Amagertorv, Copenhagen, in 1888. The sculpture was realized by Vilhelm Bissen.
  • Folk Scene, Dyrehaven: A vibrant depiction of Danish life and scenery.

Historical Significance

Petersen’s work provides valuable insights into 19th-century Danish society, particularly the themes of emigration and urban life. His paintings offer a realistic portrayal of his time, capturing both the beauty and challenges faced by ordinary people. The Stork Fountain remains a beloved landmark in Copenhagen, demonstrating Petersen's lasting contribution to the city’s cultural landscape.

Legacy

While not as widely celebrated as some of his contemporaries, Edvard Petersen occupies an important place in Danish art history. His ability to blend romantic sensibilities with realist techniques created a unique artistic voice that continues to resonate with viewers today. He is remembered for his sensitive depictions of everyday life and his enduring contribution to Copenhagen’s public spaces.

Edvard Petersen

Edvard Petersen

1841 - 1911 , Denmark

Quick Facts

  • Birth Date: 1841
  • Birth Place: Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Death Date: 1911
  • Influenced By: Vilhelm Kyhn
  • Movement:
    • Romanticism
    • Realism
  • Name: Edvard Petersen
  • Nationality: Danish
  • Notable Works:
    • Emigrants on Larsens Plads
    • A Return, the America Liner at Larsens Plads
    • Stork Fountain
Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.