The Flagellation; (reverse) The Madonna of Mercy 1535 - 1545

"The Flagellation" (c. 1535-45) by Girolamo Romanino depicts a scene of brutal realism in which Christ is tied to a column and whipped by Roman soldiers. The painting is notable for its dramatic use of light and shadow, which heightens the emotional impact of the scene. The viewer is drawn to the central figure of Christ, his body contorted in agony, with the figures of the tormentors surrounding him adding to the scene's starkness. This powerful depiction of the Passion of Christ is a testament to Romanino's mastery of Renaissance painting.