Heads from Lo Spasimo di Sicilia (Christ bearing his Cross)

A set of seven prints depicting the heads of the characters in the so-called Spasimo di Sicilia, a painting by Raphael and his workshop (c.1515-16) now in the Prado, Madrid (inv. no. 298). These seven prints were part of a larger publication, for which many artists and engravers were employed, reproducing works by Raphael: F. Bonnemaison, Suite d'études calquées et dessinées d'après cinq tableaux de Raphaël (Paris 1822). See RCIN 850311 for a photograph of the painting.

This painting was commissioned from Raphael for the church of St Maria dello Spasimo, Palermo. Its subject, Christ carrying the Cross, was not a common choice for an early sixteenth century altarpiece. The focal point of the composition is the so-called Compassio Mariae, which is embodied in the depiction of the Virgin suffering and bending towards her son who just fell under the weight of the cross. Although not directly based on a specific passage of the Bible, this composition can be related to the Gospel of Luke (23:37) "a large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him". As noted by Capellen (see Bibliographic References) here Raphael "aims at furnishing an altarpiece with a dramatic historia".

Also due to the rather poor condition of this painting, much debate is around its authorship and Raphael's involvement in its execution and design. It has been noted that the main figures (such as Christ, Simon and the Maries) are delicately painted, whilst a large part of the composition is done "rather perfunctorily". Therefore, it has been suggested that the design and part of the execution are to be attributed to Raphael who was assisted by his workshop in the final painting.