The Carrying of the Cross 

Simone Cantarini rendered "The Carrying of the Cross" with etching sometime in the 17th century, presenting us with the iconic scene of Christ's Passion. The heavy cross dominates the composition, and it is an instrument of torture but also of salvation. Notice the crown of thorns pressed upon Christ’s brow. It is a cruel mockery of a king’s diadem, yet it embodies the pain he willingly accepts for humanity. The motif of bearing a burden appears in many cultures, from Atlas holding the world to Hercules carrying the heavens. This act of shouldering weight is a powerful symbol of endurance, responsibility, and sacrifice that resonates deeply within our collective consciousness. The image of physical strain evokes empathy, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The symbol of the cross persists. From ancient sun symbols to modern-day emblems, it has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.