De ontdekking van het kruis van Christus 1565 - 1630

"De ontdekking van het kruis van Christus" (The Discovery of the Cross of Christ), an etching by Antonio Tempesta, depicts the moment when Helena, mother of Roman Emperor Constantine, discovers the true cross upon which Jesus was crucified. The scene shows Helena kneeling in prayer with a group of people before a cross, while in the background, soldiers are depicted carrying three crosses. Tempesta's etching, part of a larger series about Helena, exemplifies the 16th and 17th century fascination with historical events, combining realism with dramatic action. The detailed, expressive lines and masterful use of light and shadow create a powerful and emotional depiction of this iconic moment in Christian history. This etching, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies Tempesta's skill as an engraver, showcasing his ability to convey complex narratives with visual clarity.