Christ Falling Beneath the Cross

According to Catholic doctrine, Christ fell beneath the cross three times on the way to his death. His suffering is foreshadowed in the Old Testament Book of Lamentations (3:1–2, 9, 16):

"I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of his wrath; he has driven and brought me into darkness without any light. He has blocked my way with hewn stones, he has made my paths crooked. He has made my teeth grind on gravel, and made me cower in ashes."

Bizarre as it seems today, this sculpture and others like it were originally made from sugar-paste, adorning festive tables before being cast in bronze for sale to collectors.