Christ is Aided by Simon of Cyrene (Fifth Station)

Dick Swift

This impression is the fifth of fourteen intaglio prints depicting the traditional Stations of the Cross, produced between 1957 and 1958. They are called ''mixed technique'' intaglios because the artist used several different etching techniques including; aquatint, drypoint, etching, engraving, and softground to create the plates.

Swift illustrates the story of the Passion of the crucifiction as an eternal drama, instilled with references to the injustices and sufferings in the 20th century. Since the 17th century there have been 14 stations that follows Jesus from his condemnation to his entombment. This, the fifth station, depicts Simon of Cyrene who had been selected to help carry Christ's cross.

In this impression Swift's iconography is showcased with the high rise buildings in the background, which brings the whole story of the Passion into a modern framework. The image of Simon of Cyrene is depicted much like the form of Christ, reminiscent of realistic human proportion, unlike the other figures in the series which are faces without features, and disproportionate body parts.