The Flagellation in the Presence of Mary 1465 - 1475

This woodcut print depicts the Flagellation of Christ, a pivotal scene of suffering. The central column isn't merely a structural element; it’s a symbol of the unyielding law, around which Christ is bound. Consider the recurring motif of the column across diverse eras. From the pillars of ancient temples signifying divine presence, to their adoption in Roman triumphal arches celebrating earthly power. Here, the column is inverted. No longer a symbol of strength or triumph, it imprisons the divine. Observe the flagellator's whip; a tool of torture, but also a potent symbol of dominance and control. This image evokes a primal emotional response: the visceral horror of injustice, a collective memory of suffering inflicted upon the innocent. The binding to the column is a powerful visual metaphor for the constraints of fate and the burden of sacrifice. Notice how this image, laden with such potent symbols, speaks to the cyclical nature of history, reminding us that motifs evolve, resurface, and transform, echoing through time.