The artwork titled “Carrying of the Cross” was created by the artist Duccio between the years 1308 and 1311. Executed using tempera on wood, this piece falls under the Proto Renaissance art movement and is classified as a religious painting. It is part of Duccio’s renowned series, the “Maesta.”
In the artwork, we witness a poignant scene of religious significance, depicting Christ’s journey to his crucifixion. Christ, draped in a vivid red robe, carries the cross while being surrounded by a multitude of figures. Among them, several soldiers clad in helmets and carrying spears can be identified, guiding and ensuring the procession. To the left, a group including a woman in deep blue and others in red robes, their expressions filled with sorrow and compassion, follow closely. The backdrop is a gilded golden hue, which adds a sense of divinity and enhances the sacred nature of the depiction. The intricate detail and rich color harmonize to convey the emotional intensity and narrative depth typical of the Proto Renaissance style.
