Getty Museum
The Way to Calvary
Creator
Simon BeningFlemish Illuminator · 1483–1561
All works by this person →One of the most celebrated painters of Flanders in the 1500s, Simon Bening was hailed by Portuguese art critic Francisco da Hollanda as the greatest master of illumination in all of Europe. In addition to producing books for powerful aristocrats such as Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg, Bening worked for a group of international royal patrons including Emperor Charles V and Don Fernando, the Infan
More on Getty ULAN- Date
- about 1525–1530
- Medium
- Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf
- Culture
- Flemish
- Department
- Manuscripts
- Institution
- Getty Museum
With his brutal captors pulling and prodding him along at an inhuman pace, Christ staggers under the weight of his own cross. Despite his efforts to reach Calvary, the site of his Crucifixion, his merciless tormentors force him to move ever faster, ferociously raising their weapons to strike if he should hesitate for even a moment. The brutality of the armed men contrasts with the concern of Christ's family and friends. In a ravine to the right, the Virgin and Saint John lead a group of supporters. At the left, in an especially touching episode, an old man--perhaps Joseph of Arimathea--helps support the cross, thereby easing Christ's burden.
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