The Carrying of the Cross

This is Schongauer largest print, and also one of his most detailled. Other artists would have preferred painting on a large canvas, but Schongauer used a 43 cm (17 inch) wide copper plate.

The print shows how Jesus collapses under the cross, on his way to Golgotha. He is surrounded by a crowd of spectators and soldiers. The landscape in the background shows resemblance to the works of the Flemish Primitives. In his oil paintings Schongauer was much indebted to the Flemish masters.