Studies for a Scourging Soldier and the Head of Christ 1565

Jacopo Bassano's "Studies for a Scourging Soldier and the Head of Christ" (1565) is a preparatory drawing for a larger painting, likely depicting the scourging of Christ. The drawing, executed in red chalk and wash, reveals Bassano's masterful use of light and shadow to sculpt the figures. The soldier's powerful physique and Christ's suffering are strikingly juxtaposed, illustrating the artist's keen observation of human form and emotion. These studies highlight the dynamism and dramatic tension that characterized Bassano's mature style.