The Gospel of Saint John (19: 17) tells of Christ carrying the cross on which he was to be crucified to Calvary. The event is only briefly referred to in the biblical text, but was much amplified in the Middle Ages.
In paintings of this subject Christ is usually shown struggling up the hill, heavily weighed down by the cross, suffering already from the tortures he has undergone and wearing the Crown of Thorns. He is followed by the Three Maries and by crowds urged on by Roman soldiers. Additionally Christ is often shown being tended by Saint Veronica.