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 painting, depicting Christ Carrying the Cross, possesses the stylistic canons that distinguish the refined Flemish production of the early 17th century, and is particularly attributable 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, that in which Christ, after suffering the mockery and torture of his tormentors, is burdened with the weight of the cross and sets out on the ascent to Calvary, where he will find death.
Although this is an iconographic formula that traditionally identifies a dramatic moment, which focuses attention on the sufferings of Christ, we see him depicted here without the slightest sign of the tortures he has undergone 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, however, dwelling on it excessively.
His body, with its perfect forms, appears strong and healthy, and does not give way to the weight of the cross, while on his face we see a thoughtful but very serene expression, and the image is so composed that one almost forgets the movement.
The style of the painting is beautiful and, in perfect harmony with Baroque art, is distinguished by rich tones, the intense red drape being the perfect example, and a dramatic use of light and shadow that extrapolates the pathos of the moment.
The painting takes up, albeit with modifications, the model of Christ carrying the cross created by Anton Van Dyck, now kept in Genoa at the Musei di Strada Nuova (Imm.1. in details - https://www.museidigenova.it/it/cristo-portacroce)
This painting on panel completed a series of the Twelve Apostles, once present in the Genoese Serra picture gallery, now divided between various collections around the world. A youthful work, dating back to Van Dyck's period of activity before his arrival in Genoa, it should be related to a similar subject by Rubens (Imm.2 - in details - https://catalogo.fondazionezeri.unibo.it/scheda/opera/101477/). Indeed, the influence of the older master is evident in the style as well.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The painting is sold complete with a pleasant frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic sheet.
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