Christ carrying the cross

The Print Cabinet holds several drawings by Anthony van Dyck, the renowned 17th-century Antwerp painter. This drawing of the Carrying of the Cross is a preparatory study for his painting of the same subject, which is preserved in St Paul’s Church in Antwerp.

The Dominicans of this church had commissioned various artists to create paintings depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary. Van Dyck’s Carrying of the Cross was the ninth canvas in this series.

This drawing demonstrates the great care the young Van Dyck devoted to preparing this commission. Although it depicts a static moment, he nonetheless introduces dynamism and movement into the composition. Van Dyck balances the figures against one another and employs diagonal and parallel lines. He further evokes a sense of movement through the poses and the billowing garments of the figures represented.

Pen drawing in brown, washed with brown and light grey watercolour over an initial sketch in black chalk on yellowed white paper, lightly heightened with white bodycolour. Squared. Mounted.