The Flagellation, Christ at the Column 1598

This stained-glass panel, made by Franz Fallenter, depicts The Flagellation. At the center, Christ is bound to a column. The column is a potent symbol of strength and suffering, reappearing across art history to signify both power and imprisonment. In ancient Roman art, columns symbolized imperial authority, yet here, the column transforms into a site of humiliation. We see echoes of this motif in countless depictions of martyrdom, where the body—tethered and exposed—becomes a focal point of pathos. Notice the halo, a luminous disc. This ancient symbol transcends cultures, signifying divinity or enlightenment. Its presence here, amidst brutality, underscores a profound tension: the sacred violated, the divine made mortal. This symbol, ever cyclical, evokes a psychological impact, compelling viewers to confront the interplay between suffering and sanctity.