The Mystery of Jesus Carrying the Cross
Discovering William Mix's oil on canvas depicting Saint Peter
This week in honor of what many celebrate as Holy Week, Passover, and the Resurrection I have been featuring the collection of my late father’s artwork which revolves around religiosity, the Christian faith and biblical stories featuring the iconic spiritual teacher, Jesus Christ.
The oil painting above, Jesus Carrying the Cross, is a part of William Mix’s Distinguished People and Historic Events series and was done on a 30X40” canvas.
Today I have been searching and searching some more to find what my father might have used as a reference for this piece. Many of his other religious renditions were after Gustav Doré. One canvas I featured in my post last night, Descent from the Cross, was after Peter Paul Rubens.
For this painting, I tried comparing it to searchable images I found when scouring the internet for names like El Greco, Geertgen tot Sint Jans, Giotto, Caravaggio, Fra Angelico and more, but nothing has availed itself as an exact match to what my father might have been trying his hand.
Aesthetic of the entire piece aside, what is left are the clues within the painting about its elements. I see there a man dressed in a gold robe also wearing a crown, with one hand gesturing to his heart seemingly in some semblance of sincerity, the other hand on a chair. Very interesting to me.
Along my search of Peter Paul Rubens I somehow found the term St. Peter. It seemed as though many images featuring St. Peter also featured the figure wearing a crown, but not always. So in my search for some truth about this very distinct element within this painting I asked Google, “Did St. Peter wear a crown?” The answered was affirmed.
I became very curious.
Who was St. Peter? Why did he wear a crown? How did he know Jesus? What might my father have been intending to depict by way of oil on canvas about this figure’s possible emotions, his stance and body language, his gesture, his expression, the way he dressed and the prop he held onto?
There was something to this mystery for me.
This painting was too well-done for my father not to have left any clues at all about his reference material. Likely, I will find it all one day. Maybe by next year about this same time I’ll have more to share what inspired my father, so.
Until then, I’d like to dive deeper on this day considered to be Holy Saturday.
I hope my readers do not mind, but I find great resource in posing questions to ChatGPT. I find the responses are frank enough that I can ask questions as innocently as they come without having to tend to a particular, ongoing narrative.
I enjoy learning about what my father’s life’s work centered around. This is just one subject—Religious—but its weight amongst a sea of his other work is something that impresses me differently.
If these subjects were important enough for William Mix to feel so inspired… to be moved enough to convey these scenes artistically… It behooves me to learn more and more all the time by his kind of guidance. Perhaps it’s the guidance I’ve been longing to appreciate all of my life.
I invite you, again, to follow along with me my conversation assisted my AI technology, even if you just skim down through to the end… you never know what question I ask or what theme might pop out for you today, as you do, the evening preceding the celebration of the Resurrection of the spiritual master Jesus Christ.
Blessings!
Colleen said:
I'm trying as I might to find what my father might've used as a reference for a painting he did of Jesus Carrying the Cross, who is placed center on the canvas. St. Peter holds a hand toward his own heart and the other hand on what seems to be a chair. St. Peter wear a gold robe and gold crown.
ChatGPT said:
That sounds like a powerful and evocative painting — your father’s religious-themed pieces might’ve drawn from classical or Renaissance art, maybe filtered through his own vision. The imagery you described — Jesus carrying the cross at the center, with St. Peter in gold robes and crown, one hand to heart and another resting on a chair — has the feel of a symbolic or interpretive composition rather than a strict narrative scene.
A few thoughts that might help track down the reference or inspiration:
1. Visual Clues in Art History
Jesus carrying the cross is a well-trodden theme, especially in the Via Crucis (Stations of the Cross). The center placement hints at a compositional focus on Christ’s suffering.
St. Peter is traditionally depicted with:
Short gray or white hair and beard
Keys (as a symbol of the Kingdom of Heaven)
Sometimes in humble robes, but he is occasionally shown enthroned in more ornate attire, particularly in depictions of heavenly scenes or ecclesiastical authority.
However, a gold robe and crown on St. Peter is less common in typical Passion scenes. That kind of regal imagery sounds more symbolic — maybe your father saw Peter as a spiritual king or was making a theological point about authority, humility, or forgiveness.
2. The Chair
Could be:
A throne, symbolizing Peter as the first pope.
A visual reference to the Chair of Saint Peter, an actual relic and a symbol of papal authority housed in St. Peter’s Basilica.
3. Sources He Might Have Used
Your father may have referenced:
Catholic holy cards (very common as inspiration, especially if he was raised religious)
Illustrated Bibles
Older art books or church bulletins
Photos from Vatican art or even stills from movies like The Passion of the Christ or Jesus of Nazareth
If you have access to any of his books or saved materials (clippings, calendars, photo references, or older religious prints), you might find a similar pose or reference.
If you’re up for it, you could share a photo or even a rough sketch or description of the composition, and I could try doing some reverse image searching or help narrow down more specific artistic parallels. I'd love to help dig into it with you.
Colleen said:
Looking at Jesus in this painting who is wearing a red robe draped to expose his torso, right hand down by his hip and fingers spread out, palm facing the viewer. The other hand holds a cross merely leaning against his left shoulder. Jesus is standing. There are 3 men on the left, behind Jesus’ right shoulder, also standing—one with his hands raised up who is furthest in the background and has a beard. On the right of the canvas behind Jesus’ left shoulder is a woman, more to the background than St. Peter, (who comes next) to the right on the canvas—and another man with a beard who is twisted to hold the trunk of a cross that only forms a "T." That last man is shirtless.
ChatGPT said:
Thank you for that beautifully detailed description — this is rich and specific enough that it may well be inspired by or echoing a known composition, even if your father reinterpreted it.
Here’s a breakdown of the elements you described to help us piece this together more closely and maybe spot an origin:
🔴 Jesus
Red robe, draped and torso exposed → very classical, often symbolizing martyrdom or divine love.
Right hand down, fingers splayed, palm facing viewer → this feels very intentional, almost like a gesture of revelation or invitation.
Left hand holding the cross, but it’s leaning lightly → possibly showing foreknowledge of suffering rather than the burden of it.
This sounds more contemplative than action-oriented, almost like a pre-Passion moment rather than during the carrying of the cross — or maybe it’s an artistic collapse of multiple moments into one.
👥 Left side of Jesus
Three men
One furthest back, bearded, hands raised → could be a figure of lament or witness, maybe even a prophet or an apostle.
The other two are less described — but possibly onlookers, disciples, or soldiers?
👩 Right side of Jesus
Woman in background → possibly Mary, Mary Magdalene, or a symbolic feminine figure.
St. Peter next to her, closer to foreground → as described earlier, gold robe, crown, one hand to his own heart, other on a chair/throne.
Shirtless bearded man, twisted and holding a T-shaped cross → this figure really stands out. The "T" shape is distinctive — that’s a Tau cross, sometimes associated with St. Anthony or early Christian crucifixion symbolism.
🎨 POSSIBLE INFLUENCES / PARALLELS
The pyramidal composition with Christ in the center and several emotionally expressive figures nearby feels very Renaissance, maybe even Mannerist.
The gesture of the splayed hand resembles poses in works by El Greco or Giotto, where Christ gestures with his palm as if to communicate peace or prophecy.
The mix of regal and humble elements — especially St. Peter crowned — could be referencing a theological point about apostolic succession or heavenly authority, not commonly paired with Passion scenes.
POSSIBLE PLACES YOUR FATHER MIGHT’VE DRAWN FROM:
Old masters like:
Fra Angelico, El Greco, Giotto, Caravaggio (especially for dramatic poses and emotional expression)
Religious pamphlets or calendars
Byzantine or Eastern Orthodox iconography (which sometimes features gold robes and non-standard cross shapes)
If the man with the “T” cross and twisted pose is unique to this work, that might be your father inserting a personal or interpretive figure — perhaps even a representation of himself, or humanity in general — not uncommon in deeply symbolic paintings.
Would you say the atmosphere feels more like a dream, vision, or theatrical scene, rather than a narrative moment from scripture? That might help narrow down whether he was referencing traditional depictions or composing from imagination.
And just checking — was this a large oil painting, like his usual 36" x 48"? Or a smaller piece?
Colleen said:
Oil on Canvas, 30X40'“. Can you bring up some images artwork by old masters that would fit this description, somewhat?
ChatGPT said:
Thank you for providing such a detailed description. Based on the elements you've described, several artworks by Old Masters come to mind that share similarities with your father's painting. While none match exactly, they might have served as inspiration or reference points:
🎨 El Greco – Christ Carrying the Cross (c. 1578)
Composition: Christ is depicted with a red robe, his torso exposed, and a serene expression as he carries the cross.
Details: The painting focuses solely on Christ, emphasizing his spiritual burden rather than physical suffering.
Location: Museo del Prado, Madrid.Art BibleWikipedia+6Artchive+6Museo del Prado+6
🎨 El Greco – The Disrobing of Christ (1577–79)
Composition: Christ stands in a red robe, surrounded by various figures, including women and soldiers.
Details: The scene captures the moment before the crucifixion, highlighting the emotional turmoil of the event.
Location: Toledo Cathedral.Christian Iconography+1Art Bible+1
🎨 Geertgen tot Sint Jans – Man of Sorrows (c. 1485–1495)
Composition: Christ is shown with his torso exposed, surrounded by mourning figures and angels.
Details: The painting emphasizes the suffering and humanity of Christ, with a focus on emotional expression.
Location: Museum Catharijneconvent, Utrecht.Art Bible+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3
🎨 Lovis Corinth – The Red Christ (1922)
Composition: An expressionist depiction of Christ with a red hue, emphasizing the emotional and physical agony of the crucifixion.
Details: The painting conveys intense emotion through bold colors and dynamic brushwork.
Location: Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich.Wikipedia+1The Metropolitan Museum of Art+1
While these artworks share certain elements with your father's painting, such as Christ's red robe, exposed torso, and the presence of surrounding figures, none match the exact composition you've described. It's possible that your father synthesized various influences or added personal interpretations to create a unique piece.
If you have access to the painting later and can provide an image, I can assist further in identifying more precise references or inspirations.
Colleen said:
None of these are it. Such a mystery. It looks moderately flowy in motion like Peter Paul Rubens might do.
ChatGPT said:
I appreciate your detailed description and the intriguing mystery surrounding your father's painting. Given the dynamic composition and expressive figures you've described, it's understandable to consider Peter Paul Rubens as a potential influence. Rubens was renowned for his dramatic Baroque style, characterized by flowing movement, emotional intensity, and complex groupings of figures.
One of Rubens' notable works, Christ Carrying the Cross (c. 1625), housed at the Akademie der Bildenden Künste in Vienna, depicts Jesus bearing the cross with a dynamic composition and expressive figures. While this painting doesn't exactly match your description, it embodies the Baroque elements that may resonate with your father's work. Home page
Another significant piece is The Raising of the Cross (1610), a triptych that showcases a central panel with a dramatic diagonal composition and a multitude of figures engaged in the crucifixion scene. The dynamic poses and emotional expressions in this work are characteristic of Rubens' style. Peter Paul Rubens
Additionally, The Descent from the Cross (1612–1614), located in the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp, presents a powerful depiction of Christ being lowered from the cross, surrounded by mourners. The composition and emotional depth in this painting are exemplary of Rubens' approach to religious themes. WikiArt+1Wikipedia+1
While none of these works precisely match the composition you've described, they reflect the Baroque sensibilities that may have influenced your father's painting. If you have access to the painting later and can provide an image, I can assist further in identifying more precise references or inspirations.
Colleen said:
Alright, switching gears now.
Tell me themes about Holy Saturday.
ChatGPT said:
Holy Saturday—the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday—is rich with deep and often quiet themes. It's a day of stillness, reflection, and mystery. Here are the major themes associated with it:
1. Silence and Waiting
The most dominant theme is silence. After the drama of Good Friday, Holy Saturday is hushed. Christ is in the tomb. There are no miracles, no teachings, no visible hope—just the stillness of waiting.
It reflects the human experience of waiting in grief, confusion, or uncertainty—those moments when it seems like God is absent.
2. Grief and Mourning
The disciples are scattered, grieving, disillusioned. It's the day hope seems lost.
It represents the real, raw space between loss and renewal—a sacred pause in the emotional arc of the Passion.
3. The Descent into Hell (or "Harrowing of Hell")
In Christian tradition, especially in Eastern Orthodoxy and older Western liturgies, Holy Saturday includes the belief that Christ descended into the realm of the dead to free the righteous who had died before His coming.
This theme speaks to redemption even in the darkest places—Christ bringing light to the deepest shadows.
4. Rest and Sabbath
Jesus rests in the tomb, and it aligns with the Jewish Sabbath. His final rest before Resurrection.
It echoes the seventh day of Creation: the day God rested, and here, the Son of God rests after completing His work of salvation.
5. Hope in Hiddenness
Though quiet, Holy Saturday holds a hidden hope. It's the seed in the soil, not yet sprouted. Death is not the end—but we don’t see the Resurrection yet.
It invites trust in the unseen, in the process of transformation.
Many people don’t give Holy Saturday much thought, but it can be incredibly meaningful, especially for anyone who has lived through a long night of grief or is in the "in-between" of something—waiting for resurrection, not yet seeing the light.
Colleen Asks:
What is the relationship between St. Peter and Jesus?
ChatGPT said:
The relationship between St. Peter and Jesus is one of the most intimate, complex, and human in the Gospels. It’s full of passion, failure, forgiveness, and transformation—very much like the spiritual journey many people experience. Here’s a look at their connection across several key themes:
💠 1. Chosen and Called
Peter (originally Simon) was one of the first disciples Jesus called. Jesus gave him the name “Peter” (from Petros, meaning rock) saying, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18).
This renaming signifies a deep relationship: Jesus sees not just who Peter is, but who he can become.
💠 2. Leader and Follower
Peter emerges as the de facto leader of the disciples—he’s often the first to speak or act.
He walks on water (briefly), speaks up at the Transfiguration, and is present at all the key moments.
💠 3. Love and Loyalty—Then Failure
Peter famously professes his undying loyalty: “Even if all fall away, I will not.”
But on the night Jesus is arrested, Peter denies Him three times. This is a heartbreaking moment—Peter’s fear overtakes his love.
After the rooster crows, Peter realizes what he’s done and weeps bitterly. It’s one of the most human moments in all Scripture.
💠 4. Forgiveness and Restoration
After the Resurrection, Jesus appears to Peter on the shore (John 21). Instead of rebuking him, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?”
This mirrors the three denials and restores Peter's place, commissioning him again: “Feed my sheep.”
It’s a powerful image of grace. Jesus doesn’t just forgive—He re-trusts Peter with responsibility.
💠 5. Transformation and Martyrdom
After Pentecost, Peter becomes a bold preacher, a healer, and the foundation of the early Church.
He eventually dies a martyr, according to tradition, crucified upside-down because he felt unworthy to die as Jesus did.
✨ The Heart of Their Relationship
It’s not perfection that defines Peter—it’s his honesty, love, repentance, and transformation. Jesus loved Peter not because he was flawless, but because he was faithful, even through failure.
Their relationship shows us that:
You can fail deeply and still be chosen.
Restoration is possible.
Love is not about never falling—it's about returning.
Colleen Asks:
In Number 5, above you mentioned, “After Pentecost, Peter becomes a bold teacher…” What is Pentecost?
ChatGPT said:
Pentecost is one of the most important and powerful events in the Christian tradition. It marks the coming of the Holy Spirit and is often called the birthday of the Church. Here’s a breakdown of what it is, what it means, and why it matters:
📜 What Happened at Pentecost?
Pentecost takes place 50 days after Easter (and 10 days after the Ascension of Jesus). The story is told in Acts 2:
The disciples were gathered in Jerusalem, still unsure of what was next.
Suddenly, a sound like a rushing wind filled the house.
Tongues of fire appeared and rested on each of them.
They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, proclaiming God’s deeds of power.
People from all over the world—Jews gathered for the festival—heard the message in their own language. It was miraculous and inclusive, breaking down barriers.
Peter stood up and preached boldly, and that day, about 3,000 people were baptized. This marked the beginning of the Church’s public mission.
🔥 Key Themes of Pentecost
1. Empowerment
The Holy Spirit gives the disciples boldness, clarity, and power to speak and act.
It transforms them from scared followers into fearless leaders.
2. Unity in Diversity
Everyone hears the message in their own language. It's a reversal of the Tower of Babel—bringing people together rather than dividing them.
It speaks to a God who meets people where they are, not where we think they should be.
3. Birth of the Church
Pentecost is the moment the Church becomes active in the world—not just a group of people, but a Spirit-led movement.
4. The Spirit Within
In the Old Testament, the Spirit came on individuals for specific tasks. At Pentecost, it’s poured out on all believers.
It signals a new era where God dwells within people, not just in temples.
🕊️ The Deeper Meaning
Pentecost reminds us that God’s presence is active, not passive—wind, fire, breath, voice. It’s a reminder that faith is not just about belief but about movement, witness, and transformation.
Colleen Asks:
Why did St. Peter wear a crown? Did he also wear a crown before Jesus was crucified on the cross?
ChatGPT said:
That’s a beautiful and curious question—let’s explore it.
👑 Did St. Peter Wear a Crown?
Historically and biblically, no—St. Peter did not wear a crown during his lifetime, especially not before Jesus died on the cross. There’s no record in the Gospels or Acts of Peter wearing a physical crown, either before or after the Crucifixion.
However, the idea of Peter wearing a crown comes more from symbolism and later Christian tradition, particularly in art and theology. Let’s unpack that:
✨ 1. Crown as a Symbol of Authority
Jesus named Peter the “rock” on which He would build His Church (Matthew 16:18).
He gave Peter the "keys of the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 16:19)—a symbol of spiritual authority.
Because of this, Peter is often seen in icons, stained glass, or sculptures wearing a crown or holding keys, especially in depictions of him as the first pope.
These images aren't literal—they’re visual metaphors for Peter’s role as the leader of the early Church.
🕊️ 2. Crown of Glory (Spiritual Crown)
In his own writings, Peter speaks of a “crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:4).
This refers to the heavenly reward promised to the faithful—not a literal crown worn on earth, but an eternal honor given by God.
So in that sense, Peter would receive a crown—but only after a life of service, suffering, and leadership.
🩸 3. Before the Cross: Humility, Not Royalty
Before Jesus’ crucifixion, Peter was very human—impulsive, passionate, loyal but flawed.
He certainly didn’t wear any kind of crown then. In fact, he was often humbled—especially after denying Jesus.
🎨 Why You Might See Peter with a Crown in Art
In Catholic and Orthodox art, Peter is sometimes portrayed in heavenly scenes or papal imagery wearing a crown or tiara.
This is to show his spiritual royalty as a “prince of the apostles”—but again, that’s not literal history; it’s theological symbolism.
💡 Final Thought
Peter didn’t wear a crown in life. But he was crowned with something greater: grace, forgiveness, and the responsibility of leading a movement that would change the world.
Colleen asks:
Could Holy Saturday be a good time for learning, then?
ChatGPT said:
Yes, Holy Saturday could be an ideal time for learning, especially in the context of reflection, introspection, and quiet preparation. While traditionally seen as a day of stillness, mourning, and waiting, there’s a deeper layer to this moment of stillness that aligns beautifully with the idea of learning. Here’s why:
💠 1. A Pause for Reflection
Holy Saturday is the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday—it’s a liminal space, a time when the world feels paused between sorrow and joy, death and life.
In that pause, there is space to reflect deeply on the lessons of the previous days (the suffering of Christ, the meaning of sacrifice, etc.) and prepare the heart and mind for the joy of resurrection.
This reflective space creates a perfect environment for learning—whether that’s learning something about your spiritual journey, gaining insight into something in your life, or discovering new knowledge.
💠 2. Learning Through Silence and Stillness
Sometimes learning happens in the quiet moments, away from the noise and rush of everyday life.
The silence of Holy Saturday can invite deep contemplation and make us more receptive to new thoughts or revelations, whether they are spiritual, personal, or intellectual.
It’s like a “blank slate” moment before the burst of Easter joy, where one might be more attuned to insights, both divine and human.
💠 3. Patience and Anticipation
On Holy Saturday, the disciples are waiting in anticipation—they don’t yet know what Easter will bring, but they trust that something profound will happen.
This theme of waiting can be related to learning because learning is often a process that requires patience and anticipation of what’s to come.
Just as the disciples didn’t know exactly what was ahead but waited in faith, you too can approach learning with a spirit of openness to the unknown.
💠 4. A Time for Growth
While Jesus rested in the tomb, we’re called to grow in our understanding—whether that’s through study, self-reflection, or spiritual growth.
This day could be the moment to dig into something new—a topic you’ve been meaning to explore, a skill you’ve wanted to develop, or a personal goal you want to reach.
There’s a sense of expectancy in this day, much like the anticipation before something new begins—whether it’s Easter or a new chapter in your life or learning journey.
💡 How to Use Holy Saturday for Learning:
Spiritual Reading: Dive deeper into biblical or spiritual texts, exploring the meaning of silence, waiting, and renewal.
Study with Intent: Take time to study something meaningful to you—whether it’s related to your personal or professional life.
Reflect on Your Journey: Use this quiet time to think about the lessons you’ve learned in your life and how they might be applied in new ways.
Creative Exploration: Engage in creative learning (writing, drawing, journaling) as a form of introspection and self-expression.
In essence, Holy Saturday can be a day for learning because it embodies the transformative space between endings and new beginnings—a time that’s perfect for personal growth, discovery, and reflection.
Would you like suggestions for specific types of learning or resources to explore on this day?
Colleen said:
I need a little clarity on the timing of Pentecost. You said, "Pentecost takes place 50 days after Easter (and 10 days after the Ascension of Jesus)." However, doesn't "Easter" and the "ascension of Jesus," happen at relatively the same time within a day or so of each other? How could this event happen both 50 days after Easter but also 10 days after the Ascension of Jesus? Did Jesus' ascension occur after his descent from the cross? If resurrection coincides with Easter, that is only a day or so later, yes?
ChatGPT said:
Great question! Let me help clarify the timing around Easter, the Ascension of Jesus, and Pentecost.
✝️ Easter (Resurrection)
Easter commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus, which took place on the third day after His crucifixion, so Easter Sunday is the day that Jesus rose from the dead.
Easter marks the event when Jesus triumphs over death, and it is the foundation of the Christian faith.
🕊️ Ascension of Jesus
The Ascension of Jesus occurred 40 days after Easter, and it’s when Jesus physically ascended into heaven in front of His disciples. This event is described in Acts 1:9-11 and is traditionally celebrated on the 40th day of the Easter season (which is always a Thursday, 39 days after Easter).
Before His Ascension, Jesus appeared to His disciples multiple times to show them that He was truly alive, teaching them for these 40 days, and then gave them instructions to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came.
💠 Pentecost
Pentecost occurs 50 days after Easter. This means it falls on the 10th day after the Ascension (40 days after Easter + 10 more days = 50 days after Easter).
Pentecost is the day when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, empowering them to begin the public ministry of spreading the Gospel. It’s described in Acts 2.
Timeline Recap:
Easter Sunday: Resurrection of Jesus (3 days after His crucifixion).
40 days after Easter: Ascension of Jesus (Jesus ascends into heaven, telling disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit).
10 more days (50 days after Easter): Pentecost (the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples).
Key Points:
Easter (Resurrection) and the Ascension are separate events that happen 39 days apart (Ascension being 40 days after Easter).
Pentecost is 50 days after Easter—so it is 10 days after the Ascension.
This means the Ascension is a distinct event from the Resurrection (Easter), and Pentecost occurs 10 days after the Ascension, not at the same time.
I hope this clears up the timing! Would you like further details on any of these events?
Colleen said:
What is the date for the celebrated Ascension this year?
ChatGPT said:
In 2025, Ascension Day is celebrated on Thursday, May 29. This date marks the 40th day of Easter, commemorating Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven, as described in Acts 1:9–11. calendardate.com
🗓️ Understanding the Timing
Easter Sunday: April 20, 2025
Ascension Day: May 29, 2025 (40 days after Easter)
Pentecost: June 8, 2025 (10 days after Ascension Day)
In some Christian traditions, Ascension Day is observed on the following Sunday to encourage broader participation. For instance, in the United States, some dioceses transfer the observance to Sunday, June 1, 2025. Wikipedia
