Geseling van Christus 1590 - 1632

Pieter de Jode I created this print, Geseling van Christus, sometime between 1572 and 1634, using engraving techniques. Prints like this one played a significant role in disseminating religious narratives throughout Europe during the early modern period. De Jode's work places us in the midst of a deeply troubling scene: Christ’s flagellation. But it's also a scene imbued with political undertones, reflecting the fraught relationship between religious authority and colonial power. The identity of Christ as both divine and human invites a complex emotional response. His suffering is palpable. Yet, the composition also directs our attention to the figures of authority, raising questions about justice, power, and the construction of religious and cultural identities. The use of engraving allows for a stark and detailed depiction, enhancing the emotional impact of the scene, drawing viewers into the narrative and prompting reflection on its broader implications.