Where can I see Title Page to History of the Warres of the Emperour Justinian?

Title Page to History of the Warres of the Emperour Justinian is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Title Page to History of the Warres of the Emperour Justinian?

Title Page to History of the Warres of the Emperour Justinian is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Title Page to History of the Warres of the Emperour Justinian?

Museum-quality prints of Title Page to History of the Warres of the Emperour Justinian are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Title Page to History of the Warres of the Emperour Justinian

Thomas Cross , 1653

Title Page to History of the Warres of the Emperour Justinian is an ink print by the Baroque artist Thomas Cross. It dates from 1653 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The title page for the work History of the Wars of the Emperor Justinian is an engraved frontispiece executed by Thomas Cross in 1653. As a printed illustration, it introduces the historical narrative with a richly composed scene that combines allegorical and martial elements.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a seated figure on a throne, interpreted as the emperor, flanked by soldiers and attended by angelic beings. The inclusion of celestial figures alongside military motifs underscores the perceived divine sanction of Justinian’s campaigns and frames the text as a record of both earthly and heavenly significance.

Technique & Style

Cross employed fine line engraving to render intricate textures and subtle gradations of light, characteristic of the Baroque aesthetic. The careful modulation of hatching creates a sense of depth and drama, while the elaborate ornamental details convey a sense of grandeur appropriate to the subject.

History & Provenance

Produced in the mid‑seventeenth century, the engraving was likely printed for the first edition of the historical volume. Thomas Cross, an established London engraver, was known for his work on title pages and portraiture, situating this piece within his broader commercial output for scholarly publications.

Context

The frontispiece reflects the Baroque period’s fascination with theatricality and the interplay of light and shadow. Its visual program aligns with contemporary European practices of using allegorical imagery to legitimize political authority and to dramatize historical narratives for educated readers.