The Bearing of the Cross

Giovanni Battista Fontana, after Domenico Campagnola

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a large group of people gathered around a rocky landscape with a city in the background. The scene is densely populated with figures engaged in various activities, predominantly centered around the action of several figures carrying a large wooden cross up a hill, accompanied by armed guards on foot and horseback. The landscape is detailed with rocky formations and a few trees scattered throughout. There are many small groups of figures, some of whom are gathered around what appears to be an open tomb in the foreground. In the background, a cityscape is visible with various buildings and spires silhouetted against a clouded sky. The complexity of the drawing consists of intricate line work and detailed characterization of each figure, presenting a vivid narrative scene.