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Artwork

Christ Carrying the Cross, with the Crucifixion; The Resurrection, with the Pilgrims of Emmaus

Gerard David , 1510

Christ Carrying the Cross, with the Crucifixion; The Resurrection, with the Pilgrims of Emmaus, by Gerard David, oil, 1510
Christ Carrying the Cross, with the Crucifixion; The Resurrection, with the Pilgrims of Emmaus, by Gerard David, oil, 1510

Christ Carrying the Cross, with the Crucifixion; The Resurrection, with the Pilgrims of Emmaus is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Gerard David. It dates from 1510 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This oil painting presents two distinct yet possibly related biblical narratives within a single frame.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The inclusion of the Emmaus scene highlights the recognition of the risen Christ, reinforcing the devotional message of faith and revelation.

The diptych presents two narrative moments from the life of Christ. The left panel shows Christ bearing the cross toward the crucifixion, while the right panel depicts the Resurrection and the encounter with the pilgrims at Emmaus, a dog appearing among the figures. As interior panels of a religious altarpiece, the work unites the Passion and the triumph over death, emphasizing the Christian theme of redemption through suffering and resurrection.

The inclusion of the Emmaus scene highlights the recognition of the risen Christ, reinforcing the devotional message of faith and revelation.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on oak panels in 1510, the work employs a layered oil technique typical of Gerard David’s Bruges practice, with finely blended glazes to model faces and drapery and to render the luminous sky behind the Crucifixion. The two interior wings are painted on single oak boards prepared with a chalk and glue ground, supporting a smooth, reflective paint surface. Handling shows David’s characteristic delicate touch in the silky transitions of flesh tones and the crisp, linear folds of the Virgin’s mantle.

Stylistically, the composition balances Netherlandish realism, seen in the individualized faces and naturalistic landscape, with Italianate spatial recession, evidenced by the ascending hill of Calvary and the measured recession of the Emmaus road.

History & Provenance

Created by Gerard David in 1510, these works are interior panels originally forming part of a larger altarpiece. Executed in oil paint on panel, the pieces depict religious subjects including the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. The panels measure 86.4 cm in height and 28.2 cm in width.

Prior to their current residence at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the works were held in the collection of Robert Lehman. The creation date is firmly established as 1510, situating the production of these religious narratives within David's mature period. The physical characteristics and original function as altarpiece components define their historical context and material identity.

Overview

This oil painting presents two distinct yet possibly related biblical narratives within a single frame. On the left, a somber procession depicts figures bearing a heavy cross, while the right side illustrates a triumphant scene featuring a central figure standing over two kneeling individuals. The artwork's dual composition invites viewers to consider the relationship between these pivotal moments from Christian scripture.

Christ Carrying the Cross, with the Crucifixion; The Resurrection, with the Pilgrims of Emmaus
Christ Carrying the Cross, with the Crucifixion; The Resurrection, with the Pilgrims of Emmaus, Gerard David

Artist & collection

Portrait of Gerard David

Artist

Gerard David

Gerard David (c. 1460 – 13 August 1523) was an Early Netherlandish painter and manuscript illuminator known for his brilliant use of color. Only a bare outline of his life survives, although some facts are known. He may…

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Christ Carrying the Cross, with the Crucifixion; The Resurrection, with the Pilgrims of Emmaus?

Christ Carrying the Cross, with the Crucifixion; The Resurrection, with the Pilgrims of Emmaus was painted by Gerard David in 1510-01-01.

Where can I see Christ Carrying the Cross, with the Crucifixion; The Resurrection, with the Pilgrims of Emmaus?

Christ Carrying the Cross, with the Crucifixion; The Resurrection, with the Pilgrims of Emmaus is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Christ Carrying the Cross, with the Crucifixion; The Resurrection, with the Pilgrims of Emmaus?

Christ Carrying the Cross, with the Crucifixion; The Resurrection, with the Pilgrims of Emmaus is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Christ Carrying the Cross, with the Crucifixion; The Resurrection, with the Pilgrims of Emmaus?

Museum-quality prints of Christ Carrying the Cross, with the Crucifixion; The Resurrection, with the Pilgrims of Emmaus are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.