Artwork
Passion Set: Christ Carrying the Cross
Passion Set: Christ Carrying the Cross is a print by Jacob de Gheyn II. It dates from 1597 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Christ Carrying the Cross is a print from Jacob de Gheyn II's Passion Set, created in 1597. It is a black-and-white work held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a chaotic scene with Christ stumbling under a heavy cross, surrounded by armored soldiers on foot and horseback. A kneeling woman holds a child, while other figures gather nearby, set against a cityscape background.
Technique & Style
Deep shadows and strong contrasts are used to emphasize faces and objects, creating a dramatic effect. The artist's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong light and dark contrasts, adds to the scene's emotional intensity.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jacob de Gheyn II was a Dutch painter and engraver, whose work shows the transition from Northern Mannerism to Dutch realism over the course of his career.
