Focus on The Vision of Constantine (Moskos) and explore the abstract.
The Vision of Constantine was an egg tempera painting created by Elias Moskos.  Moskos was active during the 17th century.  Fifty-two paintings are attributed to the artist.  He was active on the Greek islands of Crete and Zakynthos.  He is one of the few artists that belongs to the Cretan school and the Heptanese School.  Constantine is one of the most important figures in the Christian religion.  He was the first Roman emperor to accept the new faith.  He has been depicted in art since the inception of the new religion.  He is often depicted with his mother Helen.  The Vision of Constantine was very popular in Greek and Italian art.Constantine and his army were at war with Roman Emperor Maxentius.  Constantine was praying with his army.  According to legend, a cross appeared in the sky, above the Sun.  There was also an inscription: Ἐν τούτῳ νίκα (En to tow nika) the translation was by this sign, you will conquer.  In Mosko's rendition, an angel appears relaying the message of the cross to Emperor Constantine. Constantine and his troops were astonished by the miracle.  Constantine won the Battle of Milvian Bridge.  After his victory, the new emperor entered Rome and stopped persecuting Christians.Numerous works were completed by Greek and Italian artists.  A popular version was completed by Raphael’s assistants after his death called The Vision of the Cross.  A notable statue of The Vision of Constantine was completed by Bernini eight years before Mosko's work.  Moskos was influenced by  Antonio Tempesta's engravings Orlando Furioso.  He was a Florentine painter and engraver active during the 1500s.  The work was completed in 1597.  The engravings were a series of eight equestrian portraits of the subjects in Ariosto’s famous work Orlando Furioso.  Mosko's Vision of Constantine influenced a notable version by Greek painter Stylianos Stavrakis.  Mosko's work is currently part of the Dionysios Loverdos Collection at the Byzantine and Christian Museum.
Heptanese School Battle of Milvian Bridge Orlando Furioso Stavrakis Byzantine and Christian Museum Florentine painter Elias Moskos Maxentius Emperor Constantine Bernini  Vision of Constantine Antonio Tempesta The Vision of the Cross Ariosto Stylianos Stavrakis The Vision of Constantine Moskos Constantine Tempesta's