Artwork
Christ bearing the Cross
Christ bearing the Cross is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Michiel Coxie. It dates from 1555 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
Christ bearing the Cross is a 1555 oil painting by Michiel Coxie, a Flemish artist associated with the Northern Renaissance. The work is part of the Museo del Prado's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Jesus Christ carrying a large cross, conveying a pivotal moment in Christian tradition. Christ's bowed head and downward gaze contribute to a somber, contemplative atmosphere, inviting reflection on the scene's significance.
Technique & Style
Coxie's use of a dark background emphasizes Christ and the cross, creating a sense of solemnity. The artist's skill with oil paint is evident in the rendering of Christ's light-colored robe and the diagonal composition of the cross.
History & Provenance
Michiel Coxie was a versatile artist who worked on altarpieces, portraits, and stained glass designs, serving as court painter to Emperor Charles V and King Philip II of Spain. His work on Christ bearing the Cross reflects his experience with religious themes.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Michiel Coxie the Elder, Michiel Coxcie the Elder or Michiel van Coxcie, Latinised name Coxius (1499 – 3 March 1592), was a Flemish painter of altarpieces and portraits, a draughtsman and a designer of stained-glass windows, tapestries and…
