Saint Helena Kneeling before the True Cross c. 1582

"Saint Helena Kneeling before the True Cross" is a drawing by Cesare Nebbia, an Italian artist known for his work in the late Mannerist style. Created around 1582, the drawing depicts the discovery of the True Cross by Saint Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine. The composition features Saint Helena kneeling in the foreground, while a group of figures, including soldiers and priests, raise the True Cross in the background. This drawing, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, is a testament to Nebbia's skill in portraying religious subjects with a sense of drama and detail.