The battle of Constantine
1882
This chaotic engraving captures the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, a pivotal moment where Emperor Constantine defeated his rival Maxentius. Although attributed here to Giulio Romano, the bottom left corner credits 'RAPHAEL pinx,' indicating it's based on a design by the High Renaissance master Raphael. The scene is pure action: soldiers clash fiercely on horseback while others tumble into the river below. Hovering above the melee, angels carry a banner with the cross—the divine sign Constantine reportedly saw in a vision ('In this sign, conquer!'), leading to his conversion to Christianity. It’s a dramatic snapshot of heavenly intervention in the middle of a gritty war zone.
- Technique
- Engraving
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