Artwork

The Emperor Constantine erecting a church dedicated to Saint George

The Emperor Constantine erecting a church dedicated to Saint George is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Maerten de Vos. It dates from 1596 and is held in the collection of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal.

About this work

Overview

The Emperor Constantine erecting a church dedicated to Saint George is a 1596 oil painting by Maerten de Vos, a prominent Flemish artist.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Emperor Constantine, identifiable by his crown and scepter, surrounded by armed men, commissioning a large church, likely referencing the saint's significance in Christian tradition.

Technique & Style

Executed in the Flemish Baroque style, the work showcases de Vos's skill in rendering detailed textures and using chiaroscuro to create depth, evident in the treatment of clothing, architecture, and spatial arrangement.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp's collection, reflecting de Vos's contribution to the Antwerp art scene and the broader European art trade through his designs.

Artist & collection

Artist

Maerten de Vos

Maerten de Vos, Maerten de Vos the Elder or Marten de Vos (1532 – 4 December 1603) was a Flemish painter, known mainly for his history and allegorical paintings and portraits.