Artwork preview

The Flagellation of Christ

Claudio Ridolfi

National Gallery of Art

The painting depicts a group of figures in a scene of intense action and emotion. Several male bodies are shown, with a man at the center standing partially turned to the side with his arms tied to a column. Other men are around him in various positions. One is about to strike with a raised whip, while another stands behind with a similarly fierce posture. The expressions are stern and focused, emphasizing muscular builds. A crowd gathers in the background, with some figures clothed in robes, including a helmeted soldier. Above the central group, a trio of winged angels emerges from the clouds. The scene is set in a city-like environment with architectural structures and rooftops visible in the background, against a sky filled with dramatic clouds. The color palette is dominated by brown and ochre tones, giving the image a sepia-like quality.

Artwork Details

Date
c. 1619
Medium
oil paint over pen and black ink(?) on two pieces of laid paper mounted on fabric and wood
Dimensions
3890 × 7735 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original