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The Way to Calvary

Simon Beningabout 1525–1530

The J. Paul Getty Museum

The J. Paul Getty Museum
Los Angeles, United States

With his brutal captors pulling and prodding him along at an inhuman pace, Christ staggers under the weight of his own cross. Despite his efforts to reach Calvary, the site of his Crucifixion, his merciless tormentors force him to move ever faster, ferociously raising their weapons to strike if he should hesitate for even a moment.

The brutality of the armed men contrasts with the concern of Christ's family and friends. In a ravine to the right, the Virgin and Saint John lead a group of supporters. At the left, in an especially touching episode, an old man--perhaps Joseph of Arimathea--helps support the cross, thereby easing Christ's burden.

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  • Title: The Way to Calvary
  • Creator: Simon Bening
  • Date Created: about 1525–1530
  • Location Created: Bruges, Belgium
  • Physical Dimensions: Leaf: 16.8 × 11.4 cm (6 5/8 × 4 1/2 in.)
  • Type: Folio
  • External Link: Find out more about this object on the Museum website.
  • Medium: Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment
  • Terms of Use: Open Content
  • Number: 83.ML.115.178v
  • Culture: Flemish
  • Credit Line: The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 178v
  • Creator Display Name: Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561)
  • Classification: Manuscripts (Documents)
The J. Paul Getty Museum

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