Christ Holding a Chalice and Cross (recto)

1666

Alonso Cano

(Spanish, 1601–1667)

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Culture

Spain

Medium

pen and brown ink and brush and brown wash on laid paper

Support

Beige paper

Measurements

Sheet: 19 x 13.3 cm (7 1/2 x 5 1/4 in.)

Credit Line

Dudley P. Allen Fund 1982.121.a

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Location

Not on view

Description

In this drawing a triumphant Christ holds the cross signifying his resurrection, while offering a chalice as a symbol of his blood and sacrifice. In the background, Saint John the Baptist points, identifying Christ as the Lamb (or sacrifice) of God. Alonso Cano was an artist in Baroque Spain who made works primarily in the service of the Catholic Church and Spanish monarchs. Though no related painting is known, the composition is appropriate for an altarpiece, meant as a visual aid to clarify the meaning of the Catholic Mass.