Constantine the Great Vanquishing the Tyrant Maxentius c. 1638 - 1671

Jan de Bisschop created this print titled "Constantine the Great Vanquishing the Tyrant Maxentius" using etching and drypoint techniques. De Bisschop, who lived in a time of religious and political upheaval, skillfully uses the visual language of battle to reflect not just historical events, but to explore the human condition under immense pressure. The figures are caught in a maelstrom of conflict. The print invites us to consider the human cost of ambition, the role of power, and the intersection of faith and warfare. It challenges traditional heroic narratives by revealing the chaos and brutality inherent in battle. "Constantine the Great Vanquishing the Tyrant Maxentius" is an invitation to question the stories we tell about history, power, and the complexities of human conflict. It is a space to reflect on the emotional weight of decisions made in the name of faith and authority.