Christ Carrying the Cross with Saints Simon and Veronica

c. 1545

workshop of Jacques Dubroeucq

(Netherlandish, 1500/10–1584)

Culture

South Netherlands, Hainault, 16th century

Medium

alabaster

Measurements

Overall: 61.6 x 54 x 11.5 cm (24 1/4 x 21 1/4 x 4 1/2 in.)
Weight: 54.431 kg (120 lbs.)

Credit Line

Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1971.5

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Location

114 Late Northern Renaissance

Description

As Christ dragged his cross through the streets of Jerusalem, Veronica wiped sweat from Christ’s face, which was miraculously imprinted on the fabric. This relief probably came from a choir screen, a barrier between the altar and the congregation, common in medieval churches. Yet the sculpture is more classical than medieval. The artist, yet to be identified, clearly knew the work of Dubreoucq, an artist who brought a taste for Italian Renaissance sculpture to northern France and present-day Belgium. The use of alabaster instead of marble exploits a material local to this part of Europe.