Christ at the Column c. 1607

"Christ at the Column" is a dramatic depiction of the biblical event where Jesus is scourged before his crucifixion. Created by the Italian Baroque master Caravaggio in 1607, the painting features a realistic and emotional portrayal of Christ’s suffering. The use of tenebrism, a technique that contrasts intense light and shadow, adds to the visual intensity, highlighting the figures and their pain. The contorted body of Christ, the brutality of the executioners, and the intense gaze of the figures draw the viewer into the scene, emphasizing the physical and emotional torment of the moment. This work is a prime example of Caravaggio's signature style, characterized by realism, dramatic lighting, and vivid depictions of human emotion.