Flagellation of the Christ, South Germany 16th century

Painted by a painter from southern Germany, probably from the Bavarian region, our painting shows how painters are distinguished by their ability to maintain a local artistic tradition while being marked by Italian influence. In this region lies Nuremberg, which was a major intellectual and artistic centre in the 16th century: it enjoys economic prosperity and a flourishing commercial network.

A key episode of the Passion of Christ is recounted here; the caricatural expressiveness of the executioners contrasts with that of Christ who is represented stoic, attached and vulnerable. The treatment of textures and the realism of faces are typical of the German school: a meticulous approach with a certain rigidity that seems marked by the influence of German masters such as Altdorfer (the influence of the master called “L. Cz” is also felt in the tonalities chosen). This highlights the pathos of this biblical scene, reinforcing the devotional power of the image which, in view of its format, seemed to belong to a altarpiece. In this way, our work illustrates the importance of the narrative and devotional tradition that is present in German religious iconographies at this time.

Moreover, the architectural background shows the Italian inspiration, visible with the column and curved arch. This is a testament to the impregnation of Italian Renaissance principles by German artists, a phenomenon allowed by the travels of painters like Dürer who imported linear perspective. In this perspective, the geometric play on the paving demonstrates a search for perspective and testifies to the progressive integration of its principles.

Height without frame : 70 cm
Height with frame : 90 cm