Who painted Flagellation of a Saint?

Flagellation of a Saint was painted by Andrea Scacciati in 1766.

Where can I see Flagellation of a Saint?

Flagellation of a Saint is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Flagellation of a Saint?

Flagellation of a Saint is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Flagellation of a Saint

Andrea Scacciati , 1766

Flagellation of a Saint is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Andrea Scacciati. It dates from 1766 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Andrea Scacciati’s print titled *Flagellation of a Saint* dates from around 1766. Executed as an etching with a sulfur tint and roulette texture on laid paper, the work depicts a violent episode in which a bound figure is being scourged by several attendants. The composition is framed by stone arches and walls, heightening the sense of confinement and drama.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure, a saint subjected to flogging, is shown tied to a post, his body twisted in agony as he gazes upward, suggesting a spiritual appeal or transcendence amid suffering. The surrounding tormentors, dressed in classical garb, focus intently on their task, reinforcing the narrative of martyrdom and the tension between earthly cruelty and divine endurance.

Technique & Style

Scacciati employed a traditional etching process, enhanced by a sulfur tint that deepens the tonal range. The roulette tool creates a stippled background, while careful line work defines the figures and architectural elements. Strong chiaroscuro contrasts illuminate the saint’s contorted form against darker surroundings, lending the scene a heightened emotional intensity.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑18th century, the print reflects the period’s interest in religious martyrdom and dramatic narrative. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work is catalogued among Scacciati’s known prints and is held in several European print collections, illustrating its continued relevance to scholars of Italian printmaking.