St. Helena (ca. 247-ca. 327) was the mother of emperor constantine the great (ca. 288-337), who, according to tradition, christianized the roman empire. Helena is shown holding the true cross (the cross on which christ was crucified), which she is said to have discovered in jerusalem. Her elaborate headdress and idealized, slightly masculine facial features reveal the artist's study of michelangelo's so-called teste divine (divine heads), admired for their great beauty. Morandini and other florentine artists of the later 16th century thought of michelangelo as the greatest artist of all time, and they devotedly imitated his works. Date: circa 1575 (Renaissance). Place of creation: Florence, Italy. Dimensions: Painted surface H: 34 15/16 x W: 28 11/16 x D excluding cradle: 3/4 in. (88.7 x 72.8 x 1.9 cm). Medium: oil and tempera on panel. Collection: Walters Art Museum. Francesco Morandini - Saint Helena - Walters 371096
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