Anthoon Van Dyck (antwerp 1599 - London 1641) Workshop - Christ Carrying The Cross

Anthoon van Dyck (Antwerp 1599 - London 1641) workshop - Christ Carrying the Cross - 17th century - Oil on canvas (120 x 94 cm - framed 140 x 112 cm). Full details of the work (click HERE).

This remarkable canvas, depicting the Christ Carrying the Cross, possesses the stylistic features that characterise the refined Flemish production of the early 17th century, and in particular can be traced back to the workshop of Anthoon van Dyck (Antwerp 1599 - London 1641), one of the most influential and celebrated painters of the Flemish Baroque.

The moment represented is one of the most intense of the Passion, the one in which Christ, after having suffered the mockery and torture of his tormentors, is loaded with the weight of the cross and begins the climb to Calvary, where he will meet his death.

Although this is an iconographic formula that traditionally identifies a dramatic moment, which focuses attention on the sufferings of Christ, here we see him depicted without the slightest sign of the torture he suffered and without the crown of thorns on his head. The only exception is the marks of the nails on his hands, which foreshadow the destiny he will have to face, without dwelling on it excessively.

His body, with its perfect form, appears strong and healthy, and does not give in to the weight of the cross, while on his face we see a thoughtful expression but one of great serenity, and the image is so composed that the movement is almost forgotten.

The painting is beautifully composed, in perfect harmony with Baroque art, characterised by rich tones, the deep red drape being the perfect example, and a dramatic use of light and shadow that emphasises the pathos of the moment.

The painting is based on, albeit with modifications, the model of Christ Carrying the Cross by Anton Van Dyck, now kept in Genoa at the Musei di Strada Nuova (Imm.1. , https://www.museidigenova.it/it/cristo-portacroce)

This painting on wood completed a series of the Twelve Apostles, once present in the Genoese Serra picture gallery, currently divided among various collections around the world. An early work, dating from the period of Van Dyck's activity prior to his arrival in Genoa, it can be compared with a similar subject by Rubens (Imm.2 - https://catalogo.fondazionezeri.unibo.it/scheda/opera/101477/). In fact, the influence of the older master is also evident in the style.




ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is sold complete with a tasteful frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and an iconographic description.

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