Geseling van Christus 1784

Christian von Mechel created this print, Geseling van Christus, the scourging of Christ. Though undated, it is held in the Rijksmuseum. Looking at this image, one cannot ignore the intersection of religious devotion and the stark realities of power and violence. During von Mechel's time, images of biblical scenes, particularly the Passion of Christ, served as potent reminders of faith, morality, and the human condition. The composition places us uncomfortably close to Christ’s torment, emphasizing his vulnerability. The scourging wasn't merely physical punishment; it was a public spectacle of domination and dehumanization. In an era marked by rigid social hierarchies, representations of authority and submission were deeply ingrained in the cultural psyche. This image challenges viewers to confront the brutal exercise of power and the suffering it inflicts on the marginalized. It serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of religious and political persecution.