Christ Carrying the Cross

late 16th century

Italian 16th Century, formerly attributed to Alessandro Maganza

Associated Names
Alessandro Maganza

Artist, Venetian, 1556 - 1640

Alessandro Maganza

Artist, Venetian, 1556 - 1640

This is a drawing of abstract figures in a crowded composition. The drawing consists of loose, flowing lines that suggest the shapes of several figures in a dynamic arrangement, intertwining and overlapping with one another. The lines are primarily done in black ink with some additional red chalk accents. The shapes are fluid and organic, with a sense of motion captured within the space. The overall composition is contained within an arched frame. The ethereal and sketch-like quality of the drawing invites viewers to interpret the vague forms and movements according to their imagination.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    red chalk, pen and brown ink on laid paper

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 16.5 × 14.6 cm (6 1/2 × 5 3/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2018.26.13.b

Associated Artworks

This drawing shows figures gathered in an architectural setting. The scene depicts elongated figures with flowing lines suggesting motion and interaction. The composition is enclosed in an arch-like frame, with columns and arches in the background. The use of varying line weights adds depth, while the sketchiness of the lines creates a sense of dynamism. The work is detailed yet executed in a loose manner, offering an organic and impressionistic interpretation of the scene.

Christ Carrying the Cross

Italian 17th Century, Alessandro Maganza

1600


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Mathias Komor, New York, as Alessandro Maganza); Mr. and Mrs. William Rudolf, New York, 1975; gift to NGA in 2018

Associated Names

Inscriptions

by later hand, upper left in graphite: B.460; 56


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