The Scourging of Christ, from Life of the Virgin and Christ 1480 - 1500

Francesco Rosselli made this pen and brown ink drawing called ‘The Scourging of Christ’ in Florence, Italy, around 1500. The image depicts a biblical scene of the flagellation of Christ, but it also reflects the social structures of Renaissance Florence. Notice the theatrical setting. The men stand on a tiled stage in togas while Christ is tied to a classical column; above them, onlookers observe from a balcony. Rosselli borrows from ancient Greek and Roman imagery to show the power of the church in Renaissance Italy. As an art historian, I might investigate the patronage system in Florence at this time. Who commissioned this piece and for what purpose? Was Rosselli commenting on the corruption of the church? Or celebrating its power? What does the use of classical imagery tell us about how Florentine citizens saw themselves and their place in the world? By considering the social and institutional context, we can better understand the complex meanings embedded in this artwork.