Construction of the cross. Ok. 1880 disaster, USA Wilhelm Kotarbiński (1849-1922)

The composition presents a scene of considerable emotional weight and physical exertion. Here we observe a group engaged in the construction of a large wooden cross. The central focus is on the laborious process itself; several figures strain under the burden of lifting and securing the timber, their bodies contorted with effort.
The artist has chosen to depict a moment of transition – the cross is partially erected, resting precariously on supports, suggesting both progress and instability. A child, seemingly oblivious to the gravity of the situation, plays near the base of the structure, adding an element of poignant contrast between innocence and suffering.
A man in a dark robe stands apart from the main group, his posture conveying a sense of profound sorrow or contemplation. He is positioned slightly forward, drawing the viewers eye and suggesting a role as witness or mourner. The other figures surrounding the cross are rendered with varying degrees of detail; some appear stoic and resolute, while others display expressions of concern or weariness.
The palette is dominated by earthy tones – browns, ochres, and muted greens – which contribute to the overall atmosphere of solemnity and hardship. Light falls unevenly across the scene, highlighting certain figures and casting others in shadow, further emphasizing the emotional complexity of the moment. The background fades into a hazy suggestion of buildings and distant figures, creating depth and reinforcing the sense that this event is unfolding within a larger community.
Subtleties within the painting suggest themes of sacrifice, labor, and human resilience in the face of adversity. The presence of the child introduces an element of hope or continuity amidst the suffering depicted. The solitary figure in dark robes hints at personal grief or spiritual reflection on the events taking place. Overall, the work conveys a powerful sense of shared burden and the weight of collective action.