The Mocking of Christ 1638

Gerard van Honthorst's "The Mocking of Christ" (1638) depicts the moment when Christ is mocked by soldiers before his crucifixion. The painting features dramatic chiaroscuro, a technique favoured by Honthorst, to highlight the figures and the emotional tension of the scene. The central figure, a stoic Christ, is surrounded by jeering soldiers who mock him, emphasizing the cruelty of the event. This scene is a crucial part of the Passion of Christ narrative in the New Testament and resonates with viewers who are familiar with the story.