\paperw4260 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 This small panel is part of the polyptych depicting scenes from the \i Passion of Christ\i0 painted by Simone Martini for Bishop Napo
leone Orsini. The episode is set against the backdrop of the city of Jerusalem, ringed by walls and towers and crowded with tall buildings. Numerous figures are pouring out of the cityÆs central gate to follow Christ. His figure is set at the center of t
he composition, bearing the great cross. On the right a group of soldiers, with cruel and bloodthirsty expressions, are dragging his suffering body along. The Virgin, wrapped in her blue cloak, St. John, the pious women and the sorrowful figure of the Ma
gdalene follow him. The latter, recognizable by her red dress and blond hair, is particularly striking, with her arms raised to underline the high pathos of the event. The marked Gothicisms and powerful expressiveness are typical features of the last pha
se of Simone MartiniÆs career, to which \i The Road to Calvary\i0 belongs.\par
