The Flagellation

Martin Schongauer

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a group of figures involved in a scene of flagellation. In the foreground, a central nude figure is bound to a column, surrounded by other figures, some of whom are holding whips or rods. The composition is intricate, with detailed lines depicting the muscles, expressions, and flowing garments of the figures. The setting is an architectural structure defined by arches and a column, and there are various objects on the floor including a cloth and a tool. The scene is energetic, with dynamic postures of the figures and dramatic use of light and shadow created by the detailed line work. This is in the style of Albrecht Dürer.