Flagellation of Christ (fragment)
Pacher not only perfectly understood the rules of perspective but he was also adept at the interplay of contrasts. Here a hideous scourge realistically captures the brutal torture of Christ before the Crucifixion. His bleeding body tilts toward us, his diaphragm has caved in, and the view of the henchmen from above further heightens the sense of shock. At the same time, Pacher gives this evil scene the sparkle of a precious treasure. His marble column is polished to a high sheen, and gold leaf gleams at the side and back. It seems as if there were a source of light in this Gothic space, in which we ourselves seem to be standing as part of this searing injustice.
before 1497/1498
Painting on Swiss stone pine
113.0 x 139.5cm
4845
Image © Belvedere, Vienna, 2024
Where you'll find this
Upper Belvedere
Permanent collection