Geseling 1582 - 1671

Heinrich Ulrich created this engraving, titled "Geseling," sometime around the late 16th century. The image depicts the flogging of Christ, an event steeped in religious and socio-political significance. Consider the power dynamics at play. Here we see the body of Christ subjected to violence, a stark visual of dominance and subjugation. During the 16th century, religious art often served as a tool for both devotion and control, reinforcing societal hierarchies. Ulrich’s print participates in this complex dynamic, offering a narrative of suffering that invites reflection on themes of power, justice, and faith. Look at the raw emotion conveyed through the figures' gestures and expressions; the vulnerability of Christ against the brutality of his tormentors. This image is more than a religious scene; it's a mirror reflecting the societal tensions and the human capacity for both cruelty and empathy.