“The Flagellation” is an artwork by Sandro Botticelli, dating from circa 1490. This religious painting, rendered on canvas with tempera, epitomizes the Early Renaissance style. It measures 132 by 107 centimeters and is currently housed in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy.
The artwork portrays a scene of intense emotional and physical distress, depicting Jesus Christ bound and being scourged as a part of his Passion. Christ stands centrally, his gaze resigned yet resolute, extending an aura of forbearance amidst his suffering. He is semi-clad, with drapery around his waist, which adds to the vulnerability expressed in the scene. His halo signifies his sanctity, contrasting with the cruelty of his tormentors.
On either side of Christ, his tormentors are depicted in mid-action, capturing the brutality of the flagellation. The man on the right is shown pulling back a whip, ready to strike, and his face is contorted with the exertion of his cruel task. The figure on the left, also engaging in the act of punishment, is grasping Christ, ensuring he remains in place for the lashes. The figures are attired in garments that, while executed with Botticelli’s characteristic attention to detail and realism, also imbue the scene with a timeless, almost theatrical quality.
The setting is minimal, with architectural elements that suggest a confined space, perhaps a courtyard, which focuses the viewer’s attention on the figures and the unfolding drama. The use of perspective and the positioning of the figures demonstrate Botticelli’s mastery of anatomical representation and conveyance of narrative through visual means. The overall composition of the artwork, the interplay of color, and the emotional gravity it communicates make it a compelling example of the religious art of the Early Renaissance.
