Scourging of Christ c. 1490

This anonymous rendering of 'Scourging of Christ', presents a brutal scene through the starkness of its colour and rigid composition. The figures are defined by strong, unwavering lines, with a palette limited to blues, reds, and greens, which creates a striking visual intensity. The composition is divided into three vertical sections. At the center, Christ is rigidly positioned, with an executioner on either side. The figures are angular, their bodies twisted in postures of aggression. There’s a sense of dissonance between the delicate halo around Christ's head and the crude violence inflicted upon him. This stark contrast challenges conventional symbols and traditional religious narratives, prompting reflection on the visual coding of violence and redemption. The artist’s deliberate use of form creates a visual language that unsettles more than it consoles. Meaning is not passively received but actively constructed by the viewer, whose gaze is forced to confront the uncomfortable spectacle and question the values it represents.