This work of Christ Carrying the Cross is an example of the strong influence Bellini’s circle had on Palmezzano’s work at the beginning of the 16th century. In particular, the meticulous hatching used to define shadows, the unifying light of the painting and, above all, the intense pathos of the composition which are all inspired by Venetian examples from the period. Yet it is Palmezzano’s unique figurative language that is most evident in the picture. His personal style is characterized by the use of sharp, solid lines, while the idealizing geometry with which the volumes are defined is reminiscent of the Umbrian and Roman artistic production in the early Renaissance. The starched cloth, the metal-like curls of Christ’s hair, even the definition of his veins and drops of blood, appear as if they are ‘carved’, acquiring a sculptural effect. At the same time, the painting’s stark light goes beyond its Venetian atmosphere, suggesting an enameled surface (for interesting comparisons, see the enameled placques of Jean II Limousin in the collection). The figure thus has an almost cut-out aspect, placed against a dark background, with sharp contours of the cross, definition of the drapery and even human flesh.
As noted with respect to certain other works in the foundation’s collection (e.g., especially the works by Palmezzano, De Vlieger, Grandma Moses and the Master of the Female Half-Lengths), provenance can sometimes add an aura – whether imagined, projected or real – to a given painting. Here the work was owned by an Italian noble family through generations, quite possibly having been acquired directly from the artist, and thence by descent to:
Count Francesco Clemente Melchiorre Girolamo Nicola della Genga (b. 1760), anointed in 1823 as Pope Leo XII, Vicar of Christ, Head of the Catholic Church and Ruler of the Papal States until his death in 1829
By ultimate descent to Count Lorenzo Pucci Boncambj, Marchese of Genga
Acquired from the above
Chosen though he may have been, Leo XII was no saint. For one thing, he appears to have fathered 3 illegitimate children while Papal Legate in Munich. His hypocrisy pales, however, in comparison his responsibility as Pope for a number of repressive measures, including a prohibition on Jews owning property, a prohibition that clearly had a limited life in this case.
