Who painted The Passion: Christ Bearing the Cross?

The Passion: Christ Bearing the Cross was painted by Martin Schongauer in 1480.

Where can I see The Passion: Christ Bearing the Cross?

The Passion: Christ Bearing the Cross is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Passion: Christ Bearing the Cross?

The Passion: Christ Bearing the Cross is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Passion: Christ Bearing the Cross

Martin Schongauer , 1480

The Passion: Christ Bearing the Cross is a print by the Renaissance artist Martin Schongauer. It dates from 1480 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1922.86
Credit line: Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland

About this work

Overview

This print is part of Martin Schongauer's Passion series, a set of twelve engravings depicting Christ's final days. Created around 1480, it showcases Schongauer's skill in conveying emotion and narrative through detailed compositions.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows Christ carrying the cross through Jerusalem's city gate, surrounded by a crowd of onlookers and tormentors. The Virgin Mary and Veronica are prominent among the figures, expressing grief and compassion.

Technique & Style

Schongauer's engraving technique achieves a high level of detail, with sharp lines and varied facial expressions. The crowded composition and emotive figures demonstrate his style, which was widely influential across Europe.

History & Provenance

The Passion series was extensively copied, indicating its significant impact on European art. As part of this series, Christ Bearing the Cross reflects Schongauer's innovative approach to narrative engraving.

The Passion: Christ Taken Captive, Martin Schongauer

Artist & collection

Artist

Martin Schongauer

Martin Schongauer (c. 1450–1453, Colmar – 2 February 1491, Breisach), also known as Martin Schön ("Martin beautiful") or Hübsch Martin ("pretty Martin") by his contemporaries, was an Alsatian engraver and painter. He…