Title Page to History of the Warres of the Emperour Justinian

Thomas Cross

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a detailed, classical-style historical title page. The image features an ornate display, with an architectural frame enclosing a text panel titled "The History of the Warres of the Emperour Iustinian" in an elaborate script. At the top, a portrait of a crowned figure labeled "Justinianus" is flanked by two winged figures. The architectural elements include column-like structures and a horizontal entablature. The lower part includes two armored, helmeted figures on either side of the text. Below them are other figures depicted in various attire and distress. The lines and shading emphasize the dramatic character of the illustration. At the bottom, the names "Bellisarius" and "Narses" are visible.