The Flagellation 1596 - 1598

Editor: This is Zacharias Dolendo's "The Flagellation," an engraving from the late 16th or early 17th century, depicting a brutal scene. What strikes me is the contrast between the architectural grandeur and the violence taking place. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The setting is indeed imposing, but consider how it serves to amplify the injustice. Christ, tied to the column, becomes a symbol of marginalized bodies subjected to state-sanctioned violence. Dolendo uses religious imagery to make a statement about power. Editor: So, it's less about religious devotion and more about social commentary? Curator: Precisely. It prompts us to think about who holds power and who is subjected to its abuse. Art can be a mirror reflecting these societal dynamics. Editor: I never thought of it that way before; it's a powerful perspective. Curator: Remember, art is always in conversation with the world around it.