Christ Spat upon and Mocked c. 16th century

Curator: This intense image, "Christ Spat upon and Mocked," is by an anonymous artist. The work, rendered in ink, explores themes of power, humiliation, and the body. Editor: The overall mood of this work strikes me as claustrophobic; the composition has the figures crammed within the small, round frame. Curator: Indeed. The artist powerfully depicts the abject cruelty inflicted upon Christ, surrounded by figures embodying societal forces, their aggression underscored by historical and religious contexts. Editor: This piece makes me think of the ways religious narratives have been used to justify oppression, and how art can bring these painful power dynamics to life. Curator: Precisely. The facelessness of the oppressors speaks volumes about the systemic nature of this dehumanization. Editor: Absolutely, it’s that anonymity that haunts me. Even though difficult, this image provides insight into these historical and contemporary injustices.