“The Carrying of the Cross, Christ and St. Veronica” is a religious painting by Hieronymus Bosch, an influential Northern Renaissance artist. Completed between 1515 and 1516, this oil on panel artwork is part of the collections at the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent, Belgium. Bosch is known for his detailed and imaginative works, often filled with complex symbolism.
In the artwork, the viewer is presented with a scene of intense emotion and religious fervor. The central figure is likely St. Veronica, who is depicted with a serene yet somber expression, holding what appears to be the veil with the face of Christ imprinted on it—a subject known as “The Veil of Veronica” in Christian art. Her gaze is downward, and her presence adds a gentle contrast to the surrounding figures. The faces of the other figures are rendered with dramatic detail, displaying a range of emotions. They seem to be onlookers or participants in the event of Christ carrying the cross, as told in the Christian Passion narrative. Bosch’s work exhibits a remarkable use of color and form, demonstrating both technical skill and a profound understanding of the subject matter’s emotional weight.