Artwork
Christ Carrying the Cross
Christ Carrying the Cross is an oil painting by the High Renaissance artist Sebastiano del Piombo. It dates from 1516 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
- Accession no.
- 234781
- Credit line
- Lacy Armour, Ada Turnbull Hertle, Mary Swissler Oldberg Acquisition, Charles H. and Mary F. S. Worcester Collection funds; Wirt D. Walker Trust; Alyce and Edwin DeCosta and the Walter E. Heller Foundation Fund; Estate of Walter Aitken; Frederick W. Renshaw Acquisition, Marian and Samuel Klasstorner funds; Edward E. Ayer Fund in Memory of Charles L. Hutchinson; Lara T. Magnuson Acquisition, Director's funds; Samuel A. Marx Purchase Fund for Major Acquisitions; Edward Johnson, Maurice D. Galleher Endowment, Simeon B. Williams, Capital Campaign General Acquisitions, Wentworth Greene Field Memorial, Samuel P. Avery, Morris L. Parker, Irving and June Seaman Endowment, and Betty Bell Spooner funds
About this work
Overview
Christ Carrying the Cross is a painting by Sebastiano del Piombo, created in oil on panel. It depicts a poignant scene from the Passion of Christ.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows Jesus struggling under the weight of the cross, assisted by Simon of Cyrene, while a Roman soldier observes with a threatening gesture. The scene is a representation of a pivotal moment in Christian devotion.
Technique & Style
The composition is characterized by powerful diagonals and a luminous landscape background, which enhance its dramatic effect. The use of chiaroscuro, evident in the contrast between light and shadow, adds depth to the scene.
Context
This painting was intended for private devotion, a common practice in the 16th century where individuals kept small panels at home for personal reflection during times of distress.
History & Provenance
Sebastiano del Piombo, a prominent artist of the High Renaissance in Rome and a favorite of Pope Clement VII, created multiple versions of this subject, indicating its popularity among his patrons.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Sebastiano del Piombo (Italian:; c. 1485 – 21 June 1547) was an Italian painter of the High Renaissance and early Mannerist periods, famous as the only major artist of the period to combine the colouring of the Venetian…
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