Antwerp School of mid-seventeenth century. Lot n° 35

Antwerp School of mid-seventeenth century. "The Fall of Christ". Oil on copper. Measurements: 55 x 72 cm; 74 x 91 cm (frame). It is represented here the fall of Jesus on the way to Mount Calvary, overcome by the weight of the cross. Exhausted by the blood lost in the scourging, weakened by the physical and moral sufferings that had been inflicted on him the night before, and without having slept, Jesus could hardly take a few steps and soon fell under the weight of the cross. Then followed the blows and imprecations of the soldiers, the expectant laughter of the public. The Messiah, with all the strength of his will and with all his strength, managed to get up to continue on his way. According to theological interpretations, Jesus invites us with his actions to carry our cross and to follow him, he teaches us here that we can also fall, and that we have to understand those who fall; that no one should remain prostrate, we all have to get up with humility and confidence seeking his help and forgiveness. In this oil on copper this fall of Jesus is represented on the way to Mount Calvary, overcome by the weight of the cross, and in the scene we see Veronica, who holds the cloth for Jesus to wipe with it the blood and sweat from his face. It is the cloth on which, according to sacred history, the features of Christ were miraculously imprinted. Although in this copper is not represented, the scenes of this theme would usually present Simon the Cyrenian, who helps Jesus to carry the Cross and who is like the living image of the disciples of Jesus, who take his cross and follow him. Moreover, Simon's example invites us to bear one another's burdens in a selfless way, as St. Paul teaches. It is the unified representation, therefore, of the representation of the fifth station of the Via Crucisa, in which Simon helps Christ with the cross. Our scene is completed by other characters, such as St. John the Evangelist, the Virgin and many soldiers who harass the Redeemer.