Geseling 1648

Christoffel van Sichem II rendered this engraving, titled "Geseling," depicting the Flagellation of Christ. The central motif is, of course, Christ enduring lashes, a potent symbol of suffering and sacrifice. In the cultural memory of the West, this image resonates deeply, tied to centuries of religious contemplation and artistic representation. Now, consider the recurrence of this motif. The flagellation echoes in works across time—from Renaissance frescoes to modern photography—each bearing the weight of the original narrative, yet transformed. Even the instruments of torture, like the bundles of sticks, reappear in various contexts, symbolizing not only punishment but also resilience. Think of fasces in Roman antiquity, symbols of power carried by lictors, and how that imagery has been co-opted and reinterpreted through ages. This act of violence, frozen in time, taps into a primal, subconscious understanding of pain and redemption. It is a motif that, like a restless spirit, continues to haunt our collective consciousness. We see how it resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.