The Flagellation of Christ c. 1617

Peter Paul Rubens' "The Flagellation of Christ" employs oil paint to render a scene of brutal violence and subdued emotion. The composition centres on Christ, whose pale, yielding form creates a stark contrast to the dynamic figures of his tormentors. Rubens masterfully uses light and shadow to intensify the drama, casting strong illumination on Christ's body while cloaking the executioners in partial darkness. The swirling brushstrokes and dynamic lines evoke a sense of turmoil and physical exertion, drawing the viewer into the heart of the event. The painting's structure invites semiotic interpretation, where colour, gesture, and spatial arrangement serve as signs. The deep reds of the blood stand in stark contrast to the muted tones of the architecture, symbolizing sacrifice and suffering. The tormentors’ exaggerated poses suggest a disruption of natural order, highlighting the painting’s thematic concern. The painting challenges the viewer to contemplate the interplay between suffering and redemption.