The Large Bearing of the Cross

An agonized Christ is depicted here in a crowded procession that began in sunlit Jerusalem-faintly indicated at right rear-but will end at the darkened hill site of his Crucifixion, Golgotha, at left. Schongauer's print was the first engraved depiction of Christ borne to his knees beneath the burden of the cross and is also notable for the keen realism with which the persons in the medieval mob are characterized. Some are distorted to the point of caricature to accentuate their brutish, taunting behavior. Continuous contours define the figural forms, within which short curved lines indicate roundness, texture, and shadow. Masses of crosshatching, combined with comma-like strokes, provide the deepest darks.

This "Large" Bearing of the Cross is distinguished from another treatment of the subject in Schongauer's smaller format Passion series.