“The Flagellation of Christ” is a religious painting by the artist Cimabue, created in 1280. The artwork, executed on wood using tempera paint, belongs to the Byzantine art movement. Measuring 24.7 x 20 cm, it is currently housed in the Frick Collection in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork illustrates the moment of Christ’s flagellation, a significant event in Christian iconography. Christ is depicted at the center, bound to a column, with an expression of serene suffering on His face. The golden background, characteristic of Byzantine art, emphasizes His divinity. On either side of Him, two figures are shown in the act of flogging, their positions and gestures conveying dynamic action. The architectural elements in the background are rendered in a stylized manner, contributing to the timeless and spiritual atmosphere of the scene. The ethereal quality of the painting is further accentuated by Cimabue’s attention to detail and the use of gold leaf, which highlights the divine aspect of the subject matter. This piece exemplifies the blend of emotion and formality typical of Byzantine religious paintings.
