Carrying the Cross

Wenceslaus Hollar, after a follower of Hans Holbein the Younger

Associated Names
Wenceslaus Hollar

Artist, Bohemian, 1607 - 1677

Hans Holbein the Younger

Artist After, German, 1497/1498 - 1543

This is a drawing of a scene involving religious iconography and structures. The drawing depicts a group of figures engaged in a dramatic scene at the base of a large fortress or castle-like structure. At the center is a figure bearing a cross, surrounded by other figures who appear to be interacting with or guiding this central figure. The architectural elements include strong vertical lines and detailed stonework, conveying a medieval or early Christian setting. The sky is lightly etched with clouds. The drawing's lines and shading emphasize texture and form.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed within plate): 8.1 × 6.1 cm (3 3/16 × 2 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.4871

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 1212, State only

  • Series Title

    The Satirical Passion [Pennington 116-131]

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Fritz Rumpf [1856-1927], Potsdam (Lugt 2161); (sale, C.G. Boerner, Leipzig, May 7-9, 1928, lot 586); purchased by Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], Jenkintown, PA (Lugt 1760b), 1928; gift to NGA, 1943.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1982

  • Pennington, Richard. A Descriptive Catalogue of the Etched Work of Wenceslaus Hollar 1607-1677. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1982.

1996

  • The New Hollstein German Engravings, Etchings and Woodcuts, 1400-1700. (Wenceslaus Hollar, Simon Turner, author). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, no. 1212, state only.

Wikidata ID

Q64962383

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