Look at the spirit of the first picture: the onset of both antagonists; and then examine the detail--the remains of the dragon's victims, the half-consumed maidens; the princess in despair; the ships on the sea; the adorable city mounting up and up the hill, with spectators at every balcony.

(I reproduce it opposite page 212).

And then in the next how Carpaccio must have enjoyed his work on the costumes! Look at the crowds, the band in full blast, the restless horses which like dragons no more than they like bears.
The third, although the subject is less entertaining, shows no decrease of liveliness.

Carpaccio's humour underlies every touch of colour.

The dog's averted face is one of the funniest things in art--a dog with sceptical views as to baptism!--and the band is hard at it, even though the ceremony, which, from the size of the vase, promises to be very thorough, is beginning.
S.George is a link between Venice and England, for we both honour him as a patron.