Who painted Saint Helen Testing the True Cross?

Saint Helen Testing the True Cross was painted by Jacopo Tintoretto in 1545.

Where can I see Saint Helen Testing the True Cross?

Saint Helen Testing the True Cross is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is Saint Helen Testing the True Cross?

Saint Helen Testing the True Cross is associated with Mannerism.

Artwork

Saint Helen Testing the True Cross

Jacopo Tintoretto , 1545

Saint Helen Testing the True Cross is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Jacopo Tintoretto. It dates from 1545 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. This oil painting, created by Tintoretto in 1545, depicts a dramatic scene from Christian legend.

About this work

Overview

This oil painting, created by Tintoretto in 1545, depicts a dramatic scene from Christian legend. It is now held by the Art Institute of Chicago.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows Saint Helena, mother of Constantine, testing a relic believed to be the True Cross by observing its effect on a lifeless man. The figures surrounding her react with various gestures, adding to the tension.

Technique & Style

The painting's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that exploits strong contrasts between light and dark, creates a sense of drama and emphasizes certain figures. Tintoretto's energetic brushwork and bold composition reflect the characteristics of the Venetian school and Mannerist period.

Context

The work is a product of the Mannerist period, a time when artists began to expand on High Renaissance techniques by incorporating more theatrical effects and dramatic gestures.

Artist & collection

Artist

Jacopo Tintoretto

Jacopo Robusti (late September or early October 1518 – 31 May 1594), best known as Tintoretto ( TIN-tə-RET-oh; Italian: ; Venetian: ), was an Italian Renaissance painter of the Venetian school.