An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Christ Carrying the CrossEl Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos)
Greek, Iráklion (Candia) 1541–1614 Toledo
ca. 1577–87
41 5/16 x 31 1/8 in. (105 x 79 cm)
Painting
Oil on canvas
Robert Lehman Collection
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
El Greco’s "Christ Carrying the Cross" captures a moment of profound struggle and emotional weight. The painting depicts Christ, donned in a rich blue cloak and warm red garments, gazing upward with a powerful mix of sorrow and determination. His face, expressive and elongated, reveals an inner turmoil, highlighting the pain and sacrifice intertwined with his mission.
The cross, heavy and imposing, symbolizes not just the burden of his impending fate but also the hope that comes from sacrifice. El Greco employs dramatic contrasts of light and shadow to amplify the emotional intensity, creating a sense of movement and energy that draws the viewer into Christ’s plight. The dark, turbulent sky looms above, enhancing the atmosphere of tension and hardship.
Through these elements, the artwork evokes a powerful reflection on faith, endurance, and the struggle inherent in the process of carrying one’s burdens. It invites viewers to contemplate the weight of compassion and the strength found in moments of despair, all the while showcasing El Greco’s unique style, characterized by elongated forms and vibrant colors.
About the artist
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