Anthoon van Dyck (Antwerp 1599 - London 1641) workshop - Christ Carrying the Cross - 17th century Oil on canvas (120 x 94 cm - framed 140 x 112 cm) Full details of the work (click HERE) This remarkable canvas, depicting Christ Carrying the Cross, possesses the stylistic canons that distinguish the refined Flemish production of the early seventeenth century, and is in particular attributable to the workshop of Anthoon van Dyck (Antwerp 1599 - London 1641), one of the most influential and celebrated painters of the Flemish Baroque. The moment represented is one of the most intense of the Passion, the one in which Christ, after suffering the mockery and torture of his tormentors, is burdened with the weight of the cross and sets out on the ascent to Calvary, where he will find death. Although this is an iconographic formula that traditionally identifies a dramatic moment, which focuses on the sufferings of Christ, we see him depicted here without the slightest sign of the torture he suffered and without the crown of thorns on his head. The only exception is the marks of the nails on his hands, which foreshadow the fate he will have to face, without dwelling on it excessively. His body, with its perfect shapes, appears strong and healthy, and does not yield to the weight of the cross, while on his face we see a pensive but very serene expression, and the image is so composed that we almost forget the movement. The style of the painting is beautiful and, in perfect consonance with Baroque art, is distinguished by rich tones, the intense red drape being the perfect example, and a dramatic use of light and shadow that extrapolates the pathos of the moment. The painting takes up, albeit with modifications, the model of Christ holding the cross made by Anton Van Dyck, now preserved in Genoa at the Musei di Strada Nuova (Imm.1. in details - https://www.museidigenova.it/it/cristo-portacroce) This panel painting completed a series of the Twelve Apostles, formerly present in the Genoese Serra collection, now divided between various collections around the world. An early work, dating back to Van Dyck's period of activity prior to his arrival in Genoa, it is related to a similar subject by Rubens (Imm.2 - in details - https://catalogo.fondazionezeri.unibo.it/scheda/opera/101477/). Indeed, the influence of the older master is evident in the style as well. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting is sold complete with a pleasant frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic card. We take care of and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. If you wish to see this or other works in person, we will be happy to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, in Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We are waiting for you! Contact us for any information or to arrange a visit, we will be happy to answer you. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/