This mid-19th century image is from a larger engraving devoted to religious orders. I have seen the author identified as “H. Honeck after G. Heck.” The importance of the Knights Templar was clearly recognized by placing them in the middle of the page. Curiously, the Knight of Saint John is shown donning a uniforms from a much later time. At the time of writing, this engraving is available on Ebay.

This cross (Cross pattée) was designed for the front cover of my book, The Knights Templar Absolution. I think it came out rather nice. Feel free to use it. If you happen to be so kind please mention that you got it from the Knights Templar Vault. A link would be great 🙂 I have provided several different sizes. Most images are in JPEG format, but some are PNGs with a transparent background. Drop shadows around the image are not included, if you see them on this page that’s a browser effect.

Learn more about the Knights Templar cross

PNG:

Large Templar cross on transparency without the circle
Large Templar cross on transparency

JPEG:

Large Templar cross on black background
Large Templar cross on white background

Medium Templar cross on black background
Medium Templar cross on white background

Small Templar cross on black background
Small Templar cross on white background

Émile Signol (1804 – 1892) is a French painter who maintained neoclassical bearings throughout his entire career during the period when Romanticism was prevalent in European art. Several of his works were dedicated to events of the Crusading era, including the capture of Jerusalem in 1099 by the Franks.

St. Bernard Preaching the Second Crusade in Vezelay, 31st March 1146 was created by Signol in 1840. The painting illustrates the emotions caused by the loss of Edessa in 1144. After almost half a century of relative peace, Western Christians faced a serious crisis in the Holy Land. The Second Crusade, vehemently defended by Bernard de Clairvaux, the “God father” of the Knights Templar, was the most massive military campaign in the Levant after the First Crusade. Although the crusade was unsuccessful, the Knights Templar demonstrated their superior discipline and skills — less and two decades since the Order was officially recognized by the Holy See.

The composition of the painting is dominated by the popular preacher himself, clad in white, but another focal point is a box filled with bright red crosses – ready to be sown onto clothes by those choosing to join the expedition. Directly underneath the box there are several Knights Templar. Directly above the box one can see Eleanor of Aquitaine, whose meek statuesque appearance resembles Virgin Mary, deeply revered by both St. Bernard and the Templars. Many in the crowd are raising their hands, showing willingness and commitment, as if reaching for one of the red crosses.