Workshop of Michael Coxie, Christ Carrying the Cross, 1600, Oil on Board

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Description

Michael coxie (mechelen, 1499 – mechelen, 1592) workshop of

christ carrying the cross

oil on panel (85 x 57 cm. … Read more Michael coxie (mechelen, 1499 – mechelen, 1592) workshop of

christ carrying the cross

oil on panel (85 x 57 cm. - framed 112 x 85 cm.)

the painting presented here, by a painter from the workshop of the renowned flemish master michael coxie (mechelen, 1499 – mechelen, 1592), revisits one of the great master's celebrated compositions. Coxie brilliantly attempted this classic of religious painting on several occasions, where the dramatic style is realized through a skillful interplay of light and shadow. This is a particularly remarkable interpretation of christ carrying the cross, immortalized in a moment of intimate and dramatic suffering as he embraces and supports the heavy wooden cross on his way to mount calvary. After enduring the mockery and torture of his tormentors, he is burdened with the weight of the cross, setting out on the ascent to calvary, where he will meet his death.

although this is an iconographic formula that traditionally identifies a dramatic moment in the passion, drawing attention to christ's suffering, we see him here depicted without the slightest sign of the torture he endured, except for the crown of thorns on his head.

his body appears strong and healthy, unyielding under the weight of the cross, and his face displays a thoughtful and resigned expression.

the painting follows, albeit with modifications, the model of christ holding the cross created around 1555 by coxie and now housed in the museo de bellas artes in valencia (image 1).

the work is strongly influenced by italian classicism—coxie spent many years in rome, earning the nickname "the flemish raphael"—combining nordic precision in the drapery and flesh tones with a profound monumental expressiveness.

there are several versions and period copies of this powerful composition linked to the artist and his workshop, some depicting only christ with the cross, others with additional figures, preserved in important international collections and museums.
among these, we can mention:

- m. Coxie, christ carrying the cross, museo lázaro galdiano, madrid
- m. Coxie (circle), christ carrying the cross, utrecht, museum catharijneconvent
- m. Coxie (circle), christ carrying the cross, utrecht, museum catharijneconvent
- m. Coxie, christ carrying the cross, private collection, brussels
- m. Coxie (workshop), christ carrying the cross, bonhams, london (11.7.2001, lot 31)
- m. Coxie (attr.), christ carrying the cross, christie’s, new york (may 22, 2024, lot 75)

additional information:

the painting is complete with a beautiful antique frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and an iconographic . This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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