The Bearing of the Cross

c. 1480

Israhel van Meckenem

Associated Names
Israhel van Meckenem

Artist, German, c. 1445 - 1503

This is a drawing of a man carrying a large wooden cross surrounded by figures. The monochrome drawing features intricate detailing with a central figure bearing an oversized wooden cross while bending under its weight. Around this individual, a crowd is gathered, some appearing to assist or guide, while others observe closely. In the background is a medieval cityscape with towers and buildings. The drawing includes numerous figures with various expressions and attire, suggesting different emotions and roles. The detailing in the attire, architecture, and background elements showcases skilled line work and shading, emphasizing texture and form. The style is reminiscent of Lucas Cranach the Elder.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Accession Number

    1952.8.267

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Lehrs, Vol. 9, p.160, no. 149, State i/v

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Geelhand Collection, Antwerp; D'Arenberg Collection, Brussels and Westphalila (Lugt 567); (William Schab, New York); purchased by Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], 1952; gift to NGA, 1952.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1967

  • Fifteenth Century Engravings of Northern Europe from the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., NGA, 1967-1968, no. 190, repro.

Bibliography

1908

  • Lehrs, Max. Geschichte und kritischer Katalog des deutschen, niederlandischen und franzosischen Kupferstichs im XV. Jahrhundert. 9 vols. and 1 plate vol. Vienna: Gesellschaft fur vervielfaltigende Kunst, 1908-1934.

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge

1967

  • Shestack, Alan. Fifteenth Century Engravings of Northern Europe from the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.. Exh. cat. Washington: National Gallery of Art, 1967: no. 190.

Watermarks

Gothic Y with cross (close to Lehrs 43)

Wikidata ID

Q65358464

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