The artwork known as “Flagellation” is an engraving by Albrecht Dürer, a prominent figure in the Northern Renaissance art movement. Completed in 1512, this piece falls under the religious painting genre and is currently held in a private collection. The medium of engraving showcases Dürer’s exceptional skill in creating intricate details and textures which were characteristic of his work and of the Northern Renaissance period.
In “Flagellation,” the engraving depicts the biblical scene of Jesus Christ’s torture before his crucifixion. The central figure, Christ, is shown bound to a column, his muscles taut as he endures the brutal punishment. To the right, two tormentors are actively engaged in the act, their muscles straining with the effort as they whip Christ. One of them draws back his arm, preparing to strike, while the other is captured mid-swing, his whip visibly in motion. They wear expressions of grim determination, and their physicality is rendered with remarkable realism, a testament to Dürer’s ability to capture human form and emotion.
The background is sparsely decorated, allowing the viewer’s focus to remain on the figures and the intensity of the moment. The use of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the figures and contributes to the dramatic atmosphere. The composition is dynamic, with a strong diagonal emphasis provided by the positioning of the figures and their limbs. This adds to the sense of movement and the turbulent energy of the scene.
Overall, the engraving is a powerful representation of a pivotal moment in Christian narrative, executed with the technical mastery and emotional depth that are hallmarks of Albrecht Dürer’s work.
