Christ Carrying the Cross

Italian 16th Century, formerly attributed to Alessandro Maganza

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of abstract figures in a crowded composition. The drawing consists of loose, flowing lines that suggest the shapes of several figures in a dynamic arrangement, intertwining and overlapping with one another. The lines are primarily done in black ink with some additional red chalk accents. The shapes are fluid and organic, with a sense of motion captured within the space. The overall composition is contained within an arched frame. The ethereal and sketch-like quality of the drawing invites viewers to interpret the vague forms and movements according to their imagination.