Christ Carrying the Cross 1550 - 1599

This drawing of Christ Carrying the Cross was made by an anonymous artist on paper. It depicts a key moment in Christian theology and is likely made to reinforce the beliefs of the Christian faith. Images such as this one were produced in Europe for centuries. But the representation of Christ varies greatly depending on the time and place it was made. Here we see Christ surrounded by Roman soldiers who are armed to the teeth. It’s a show of military might. Yet we also see the quiet sorrow of the women who follow Jesus. It presents a clash of values, the power of faith against the power of military might. To understand its meaning better, we can research the social history of Christianity and the institutions of the church. Looking at earlier images of the same scene would also help us understand how the artist who made this drawing may have been working within or against artistic traditions.