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The Christ Child Holding the Cross

Unknown

1650

oil

canvas

From the collection of Nationalmuseum

Early Baroque Italian Baroque Religious Putto

Dominant colour

The Christ Child Holding the Cross is a 1650 oil by Unknown, a Early Baroque Italian work, depicting Putto, held at Nationalmuseum.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1650 · Early Baroque Italian
Where can I see it?: Nationalmuseum

About this work

This painting depicts a young child, likely a cherub, holding a large cross. The child is nude except for a pink cloth draped around their waist and legs. They are holding the cross with their right hand and grasping two nails in their left hand. The child is standing on a dark background, which highlights the contrast between their pale skin and the dark surroundings. The overall mood of the painting is somber and contemplative.