1597
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Dominant colour
Passion Set: Christ Carrying the Cross is a 1597 by Jacob de Gheyn II, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This black-and-white print is packed with people and chaos. In the center, a tired-looking man stumbles under a heavy wooden cross, surrounded by soldiers in armor. Some are on horseback, others hold spears. To the right, a woman kneels, holding a child, while a group of smaller figures huddle nearby. The background shows a city with buildings and a tower, but the focus is on the crowd’s drama. Notice how the artist uses deep shadows to make faces and objects stand out sharply. The mix of calm and violent energy in the crowd is striking. Look up chiaroscuro next to see how this lighting trick works.
Jacob de Gheyn II was a Dutch painter and engraver, whose work shows the transition from Northern Mannerism to Dutch realism over the course of his career.
See the richer artist page
