Artwork
The Passion: The Flagellation
The Passion: The Flagellation is a print by the Renaissance artist Martin Schongauer. It dates from 1480 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Passion: The Flagellation is a print from Martin Schongauer's series of engravings depicting the Passion of Christ, created around 1480. It is one of twelve scenes showing Christ's suffering in the days leading up to his death.
Subject & Meaning
The print shows Jesus tied to a column, about to be flagellated by four men. The scene is crowded, with the figures' faces contorted in anger or pain, evoking a strong emotional response from the viewer and emphasizing Christ's suffering.
Technique & Style
The engraving features pronounced chiaroscuro, with light and shadow used to create a sense of depth and volume. Schongauer's use of this technique gives the figures a sense of presence, making them appear to emerge from the page.
History & Provenance
Schongauer's series was widely disseminated across Europe through printing, and was extensively copied by other artists. The ability to produce multiple copies allowed his work to reach a broad audience, influencing the development of artistic representations of the Passion.
Artist & collection
Artist
Martin Schongauer, also known as Martin Schön or Hübsch Martin by his contemporaries, was an Alsatian engraver and painter.
