Christ Carrying the Cross 1720 - 1761

This 18th-century drawing, *Christ Carrying the Cross*, by Johann Wolfgang Baumgartner, is a poignant portrayal of the moment Jesus struggles under the weight of the cross. The detail of the soldiers forcing Christ to carry the heavy cross is juxtaposed with the sorrowful figures of onlookers, including a tearful Mary and John, who are depicted in the foreground. The work is characterized by its dramatic use of light and shadow, which creates a sense of depth and emotion. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this intricate drawing, which provides a glimpse into the life of this significant Austrian Baroque artist.