The Discovery of the True Cross 1581 - 1644

Bernardo Strozzi rendered "The Discovery of the True Cross" with pen and brown ink. Observe the laborers struggling to unearth the cross, its imposing form dominates the scene, a symbol laden with centuries of evolving meaning. The cross as a symbol predates Christianity, appearing in various cultures to represent cosmological ideas. However, it’s the Christian narrative of sacrifice and redemption that transformed it into a potent emblem. We see echoes of this transformation in ancient Mithraic traditions, where sacrificial acts paved way for spiritual enlightenment. In Strozzi’s depiction, the act of uncovering the cross becomes a rediscovery of these foundational narratives, tapping into a collective memory. The emotional weight of this moment, the physical struggle mirroring spiritual striving, resonates deeply. It's a testament to the cross's enduring power, a visual anchor in the fluctuating currents of history.