Spanish or Flemish school; XVI century.

Spanish or Flemish school; XVI century.
"Christ carrying the cross".
Oil on panel.
It has slight flaws in the pictorial surface.
It has a modern frame.
Measurements: 50 x 33 cm; 73 x 59 cm (frame).
The fallen eyelids and the half-open mouth, exalt the devotion of the faithful, that before the sobriety of the scene contemplates the last moments of the life of Jesus. The author only reflects the bust of the protagonist and part of the cross, although reducing the elements to a minimum to create an image of contained emotion. This restraint can also be seen in the technical treatment of the anatomy.
In this panel the author depicts one of the most dramatic moments of the Stations of the Cross, the moment in which Christ bears the weight of the cross. In this episode it is common to see Simon the Cyrenian helping Jesus to carry the cross, or Veronica offering him a cloth to wipe his face of blood and sweat. However, the author of this canvas dispenses with these characters and seeks no theological meaning other than that of Christ's own suffering and voluntary sacrifice on behalf of humanity. In fact, this supreme generosity is reinforced by Jesus' own gaze, which avoids ours, turning to the side, towards something we do not see because it is outside the painting.