Spanish or Italian school, 17th century with later... Lot 12

Spanish or Italian school, 17th century with later additions. "Christ aided by Cyrene". Oil on canvas. Re-retouched. It presents important faults and repainting. Frame following ancient models, with faults. Measurements: 83 x 114 cm; 112 x 143 x 6 cm (frame). It is represented in this canvas of baroque epoch (although with retouches of later epoch in the face of Christ) the fall of Jesus in the way to the Calvary mount. Two figures help him to lift the heavy cross: one of them is Simon the Cyrenian, to whom the Bible gives a leading role (as does Veronica) in the passages of the Stations of the Cross. The other figures are part of the forces of the law: Roman soldiers and mercenaries whose gestures and faces express inhumanity. The characterisation of the figures reveals the influence of contemporary Dutch painting. The fall takes place at the gates of the city. The stone portico and other architectural elements allude to Jerusalem, and the scene opens up in the right background to a wild landscape. According to theological interpretations, Jesus invites us by his actions to carry our cross and follow him, he teaches us here that we too can fall, and that we must understand those who fall; that none of us must remain prostrate, we must all rise up with humility and trust, seeking his help and forgiveness.