Stations of the Cross – Oil on canvas – Late 18th / Early 19th century

Important oil on canvas depicting a scene from the Stations of the Cross, illustrating the encounter of Christ carrying his cross with the Virgin Mary (Fourth Station). Christ, crowned with thorns and haloed, bends under the weight of the cross, accompanied by Roman soldiers. He turns towards his mother in an exchange filled with dramatic intensity and compassion. The Virgin, veiled in green and draped in blue, adopts a painful and contemplative posture, surrounded by holy women. The composition is structured according to a classical scheme: a strong diagonal line formed by the cross, luminous contrast centred on the sacred figures, and a sober landscape background with mountainous reliefs. Characteristic palette of the period: deep reds, rich blues, dark greens, and flesh tones modelled in soft light. Solid academic work, precise drawing, expressive faces, careful treatment of drapery. Oil on canvas mounted on a wooden frame, with an old blackened wooden frame featuring a moulded profile. Cracks consistent with age, wear and small visible old restorations, some losses and retouches, canvas relined, frame showing signs of use. Work in good overall condition considering its age. Late 18th – early 19th century, workshop or regional school work intended for private devotion or ecclesiastical use.