Christ Carrying the Cross c. 1655 - 1660

Curator: This is Jacques Jordaens' "Christ Carrying the Cross," a drawing held at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a very dynamic, albeit compact, work. Editor: My eye is immediately drawn to the compressed composition. The figures seem piled on top of each other, contributing to a sense of chaos and emotional intensity. Curator: Jordaens, a Flemish Baroque painter, often explored religious and mythological themes. This drawing might be a preparatory sketch for a larger painting on the Passion of Christ, reflecting the Catholic Reformation's emphasis on visual piety. Editor: I agree; the sketch-like quality enhances its raw emotional appeal. The artist uses line and wash to create movement and drama, almost like the scene is unfolding before us. Curator: Indeed. The presence of the soldiers, the distraught followers, and Christ struggling under the weight of the cross tells a familiar story of injustice and suffering, key themes within the broader cultural and political context of 17th-century Europe. Editor: A fascinating display of artistic skill and emotional depth. Curator: A powerful reflection on faith and human experience, capturing a moment of immense historical and spiritual significance.