Carrying the cross 1644 - 1652

Wenceslaus Hollar's "Carrying the Cross" is an etching, created between 1644 and 1652. The artwork depicts the moment when Jesus Christ, carrying the cross, is led by a monk toward his crucifixion. The scene is set against a backdrop of a medieval cityscape and emphasizes the suffering Christ endures as he is relentlessly beaten by a throng of tormentors. The detailed figures and powerful composition make this a poignant and affecting depiction of this pivotal event in Christian faith.