The Flagellation c. 16th century

Albrecht Dürer created this woodcut, "The Flagellation," during the late 15th or early 16th century, a time of religious upheaval and the rise of humanism. This work is part of a series on the Passion of Christ, reflecting Dürer's deep engagement with Christian themes amidst the Reformation. It shows Christ tied to a column, being whipped. Dürer masterfully uses the stark contrast of black ink on paper to convey the raw emotion and physical suffering of Christ. Consider how the image grapples with themes of power, injustice, and the body. Christ, though divine, is rendered vulnerable, his body subjected to violence. This depiction challenges traditional notions of masculinity and strength, presenting a figure who embodies both suffering and spiritual power. Dürer invites us to confront the brutal reality of human cruelty and the profound empathy evoked by Christ's sacrifice. The emotional intensity of the scene resonates across centuries, prompting reflection on the human condition and the complexities of faith.