Bearing of the Cross 

Edme Bouchardon created this drawing titled 'Bearing of the Cross.' This work provides insight into the religious and social values of the 18th century. During this period, religious art was often commissioned by the church or wealthy patrons to reinforce moral and spiritual beliefs. Bouchardon situates us in the deeply unequal power dynamics of this time by depicting the emotional and physical suffering of Christ as he carries the cross, contrasted with the emotional distress of his followers and the violent actions of the Roman guards. The expressions of grief, fear, and helplessness on the faces of the crowd evoke the experience of witnessing injustice, asking us to consider our own responses to suffering and oppression. The figures are draped in classical robes, reflecting the influence of ancient art and underscoring the timeless nature of human suffering. 'Bearing of the Cross' invites us to reflect on the historical contexts of religious art and the ways in which such images can both perpetuate and challenge social norms.