The Road to Golgatha 1913 - 1914

J.A. Jerichau II captured "The Road to Golgotha" on canvas, evoking profound religious and historical symbolism. The cross, prominently displayed, is more than mere wood; it is the axis around which sacrifice, redemption, and suffering converge. This image of carrying the cross echoes through centuries of art, reminiscent of medieval passion plays and the suffering servant motif found in ancient Near Eastern art. Yet, its appearance here is distinct. Consider the burden: the cross has appeared in many forms and with a shifting significance; originally, it was a symbol of torture in the Roman empire. Now, its symbolic transformation has been inherited by modern interpretations. The emotional intensity of the scene – the heavy weight of the cross combined with the haunting facial expressions – engages us on a deep, subconscious level. Here, the non-linear progression of the symbol of the cross resurfaces and evolves with new meanings.