This Painting was made in 1634 for the high altar of the Abbey of Affligem, then one of the most important monasteries in the Low Countries.  Conflicts inside the monastery may explain why this painting was not delivered until 1637. This painting was made during Peter Paul Rubens' mature period.  He combined two artistic traditions in this painting.  The first tradition was that the large single-frame altar pieces that were to replace the older polyptychs in the Southern Low Countries in the 17th century.  Rubens fulfilled the task of painting vertically very well.  The center point of this painting is Christ's face that is being wiped by Veronica.  The second tradition was bringing new life to ancient figures.  This picture made many people remember that their sins will be forgiven because of Jesus' sacrifice.