Heilige Helena met het Ware Kruis 1623 - 1660

This etching, *Heilige Helena met het Ware Kruis*, was created by Pieter de Bailliu between 1623 and 1660. The piece depicts Saint Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, holding the True Cross. Saint Helena is a figure in Christian tradition who is credited with finding the cross on which Jesus was crucified. De Bailliu's depiction shows her in a moment of reverence, with her gaze lowered and the cross held close. The detail of her flowing drapery and the solemnity of the composition create a sense of awe and devotion. This print, now in the Rijksmuseum, is a powerful example of the Baroque style, showcasing the artist's talent for dramatic light and shadow.