De Kruisdraging 1455 - 1503

"De Kruisdraging" (The Carrying of the Cross) is a 15th-century engraving by Israhel van Meckenem, a prolific German printmaker. The artwork, housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts the poignant scene of Jesus Christ being forced to carry the cross towards his crucifixion. The meticulous detail and realistic portrayal of the figures and the dramatic landscape showcase Van Meckenem's mastery of the engraving technique. The work's powerful depiction of Christ's suffering and the brutal reality of his journey to Calvary makes it a compelling example of religious art from the late medieval period.