Christ with the Cross
Joachim Wtewael, ca. 1605–15 (?)
About this artwork
Behold *Christ with the Cross*, a delicate drawing by the Dutch Mannerist master Joachim Wtewael, created around 1605–15. This intimate circular composition, just over 3 inches in diameter, captures Christ bearing his cross in a moment of profound devotion. Executed in pen and brown ink with brush and brown wash on paper, it exemplifies Wtewael's mastery of line and subtle tonal modeling, techniques that allowed for exquisite detail in small formats. Wtewael, active in Utrecht during the transition from Mannerism to the Dutch Golden Age, was renowned for his highly refined, elegant figures and intricate compositions, often blending religious themes with mythological elegance. This drawing reflects the Northern Mannerist emphasis on graceful poses and emotional intensity, serving possibly as a preparatory study or independent devotional piece. The tondo shape—rare for drawings—evokes Renaissance medallions or gems, inviting close contemplation. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, acquired in 1996, this work highlights the era's fascination with portable, personal piety amid the Counter-Reformation's spiritual fervor. Visitors will appreciate its technical finesse, where every fluid stroke conveys Christ's solemn burden, bridging art and faith in miniature splendor.