The artwork titled “Ecce Homo” is an oil on canvas painting created by the artist Lovis Corinth in 1925. This piece is part of the Expressionism movement and serves as a religious painting, with dimensions measuring approximately 189 by 148 cm. Presently, it is housed at the Kunstmuseum Basel, located in Basel, Switzerland. The title “Ecce Homo,” which translates to “Behold the Man,” is traditionally associated with the depiction of Jesus Christ presented to the public prior to his crucifixion.
In the artwork, three figures are presented with dramatic effect, rooted in the Expressionist style, which is known for its intense rendering of emotional and psychological states. The central figure, interpreted as Jesus Christ, stands out in stark contrast, stripped, crowned with thorns, and robed in a red garment which symbolizes his impending sacrifice. He is portrayed with a weary expression, his eyes seemingly looking beyond the canvas, instilling a sense of resignation or inner contemplation. His body language, with arms bound and a slumped posture, evokes empathy and underlines the gravity of his fate.
Flanking him are two additional figures, possibly representing Pontius Pilate and a soldier, whose features and attire suggest authority and complicity in the scene unfolding. The brushwork is loose and expressive, allowing the psychological intensity to permeate through the composition. The use of color and texture contributes to an atmosphere that is both haunting and intimate, reflecting the personal style of Corinth and his engagement with the traditional Christian motif through the lens of modernist sensibilities.