Heilige Helena vindt Christus' kruis 1623 - 1660

"Heilige Helena vindt Christus' kruis" (Holy Helena Finds Christ's Cross), a 17th-century engraving by Pieter de Bailliu, depicts the moment when Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, discovers the True Cross in Jerusalem. The scene is a dramatic representation of the event, with Helena kneeling as the cross is lifted from the ground, surrounded by onlookers and figures associated with the event. The artist uses strong contrasts of light and dark, creating a sense of awe and reverence for the discovery, a popular subject in religious art of the time. The engraving, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, serves as a visual testament to the power of faith and the enduring impact of biblical stories.