The Flagellation of Christ
c. 1607-1608 Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte, Naples
About this artwork
This powerful oil on canvas painting depicts Jesus Christ tied to a column, being scourged by several men. It was commissioned for a chapel in the church of San Domenico Maggiore in Naples and is a significant example of Caravaggio's late career.
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Caravaggio's masterful use of dramatic chiaroscuro, with stark contrasts between light and shadow, imbues this scene with intense emotional power and realism. His radical approach of painting directly from live models brought a raw, visceral quality to his religious subjects, deeply influencing subsequent generations of artists. The painting captures the brutal moment of Christ's suffering, emphasizing his humanity.
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The Flagellation of Christ
Michelangelo da Caravaggio, c. 1607-1608