Flagellation of Christ c. 1608 - 1653

Curator: This print, housed here at Harvard Art Museums, is Abraham Hogenberg’s depiction of "Flagellation of Christ." The plate measures just over 20 by 13 centimeters. Editor: The scene is heavy, almost claustrophobic. You can feel the weight of the crowd pressing in around Christ. Curator: Hogenberg, who lived from 1579 to 1656, created this piece during a time of intense religious and political upheaval. The stark imagery reflects the brutality of the era, but also perhaps the artist's own views on power and suffering. Editor: Absolutely, and it raises questions about the power dynamics on display, not just in the biblical narrative, but also the socio-political message Hogenberg is amplifying. Who holds the power, and how is it being wielded? Curator: Understanding Hogenberg's "Flagellation" requires us to consider the cultural context in which it was produced and received. Editor: Indeed, these historical records illuminate the complex interplay between faith, art, and society.