Christ Shown to the People (Ecce Homo)

By the glow of a blazing torchlight, Pontius Pilate, the Roman ruler of ancient Judea, presents Jesus to an unseen crowd who will decide his fate. Pilate's extravagant fur-lined cloak and the young page's opulent jewelry contrast with the nearly naked Jesus. This distinction between earthly splendor and spiritual simplicity underscores the poignancy of the humiliation Jesus endured.

Based on the sketchy application of paint in the upper left, scholars have determined that this work was left unfinished at Titian's death. During his long life, Titian had become one of the most celebrated artists of his day, recognized and sought after by popes and secular rulers. Qualities such as the assured brushwork, sensitive modeling, subdued palette, and emotional depth characterize Titian's late style, as seen here.

Credit: Museum Purchase