Ikon

For the first three centuries after the life of Jesus Christ, Christianity looked to symbols of peace, devotion and love, such as fish, doves and the shepherd. The crucifix was an emblem of approbation, retribution and punishment. All changed after the battle of Milvian Bridge on 28th October 312 AD when Emperor Constantine defeated his Roman rival Maxentius. Spurred on by his mother Helena, the cross quickly became synonymous with the faith of Christianity.

Nowhere is this more evident than in Spain where most of these pictures were taken. Many Spanish artists of the 18th and 19th centuries learnt their craft painting the polychrome statues of the Easter pasos. Ornate crucifixes are venerated in its great cathedrals as well as in the smallest of churches. 

He said that about noon, when the day was already beginning to decline, he saw with his own eyes the trophy of a cross of light in the heavens, above the sun, and bearing the inscription ‘Conquer by this’. At this sight he himself was struck with amazement, and his whole army also, which followed him on this expedition, and witnessed the miracle.