Artwork

The Carrying of the Cross

The Carrying of the Cross, by Ludwig of Ulm, ink, 1450
The Carrying of the Cross, by Ludwig of Ulm, ink, 1450

The Carrying of the Cross is an ink print by Ludwig of Ulm. It dates from 1450 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Carrying of the Cross is a hand-colored woodcut print created by Ludwig of Ulm around 1450.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Jesus struggling to carry the cross, surrounded by a dense crowd. Mary is shown fainting in the corner, her face contorted in anguish. The scene conveys the emotional intensity of the moment.

Technique & Style

The woodcut is characterized by thick, dark lines that create deep shadows, giving the image a sense of depth and drama. The print was hand-colored with subdued red and blue hues, adding a touch of vibrancy to the overall somber tone.

Context

As a woodcut, this print was produced using a relief printing technique, allowing for mass production on paper. This made it relatively affordable and accessible to a wider audience.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ludwig of Ulm

Artist

Ludwig of Ulm

Ludwig of Ulm (1390–1510) was an artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.