“The Flagellation” is a woodcut created by Albrecht Dürer in 1511. It is part of the “Small Passion” series and is executed in the Northern Renaissance style. As a religious painting, it depicts a scene from Christian narratives. The artwork is presently held in the British Museum, London, UK.
In the woodcut, you can see a central figure, Jesus, bound to a column with his back exposed, being whipped by two men. Jesus stands with a slight lean towards the column, displaying a composed demeanor amidst the ordeal. A group of onlookers, including some wearing turbans and robes indicating their authority, can be observed in the background. The characters delineated are dressed in attire typical of Dürer’s time, blending contemporary fashion with the biblical story. The setting appears to be a courtyard with architectural elements like a column, arches, and a building that suggest a formal, institutional environment, which may signify Pilate’s palace, where the flagellation was said to have taken place. Additionally, in the background, a city landscape with houses can also be discerned. The scene is rich with detail, indicative of the intricate craftsmanship of Northern Renaissance woodcuts. Dürer’s ability to convey emotion through the expressions and posture of the figures exemplifies the dramatic storytelling typical of religious works of this era.
