Emperor Heraclius in Rags Takes the True Cross in Jerusalem – Lambertini Parable The artwork's golden background represents

The artwork's golden background represents the sun

Sebastian - Bellucci is a restored Catholic artwork available as a high-resolution digital image from Restored Traditions

kissing Christ's feet

yet ethnically realistic

Light streams down on the Virgin from Heaven as the Holy Ghost descends upon her

Emperor Heraclius in Rags Takes the True Cross in Jerusalem – Lambertini Parable The artwork's golden background representsEmperor Heraclius, the seventh century Byzantine emperor who defeated the Persians at the Battle of Nineveh, insisted on carrying a relic of the True Cross of Christ into Jerusalem. At first, when he was on horseback, the burden was too heavy, but after he dismounted and removed his crown, the Cross became miraculously light, and the barred city gate opened of its own accord. The Emperor Heraclius is also known as "The First Crusader". Artwork by M.