Christus voor Pilatus 1524 - 1599

This print, 'Christ before Pilate' was made by Marco dell'Angolo del Moro, using etching. It represents the moment when Pontius Pilate presents Jesus to a crowd, who demand his crucifixion. Produced in 16th-century Venice, the image reflects the Republic's complex relationship with religious authority. Venice was a powerful mercantile state, and its artists often negotiated between religious themes and the demands of their sophisticated, secular patrons. The choice of this subject matter at this time may reflect the social and religious tensions that were building in Venice at this time. The question of who held power - the people, the church or the state - was a central concern for artists. The print may subtly critique the structures of power, showing a weak Pilate succumbing to popular demand. As historians, we can delve into period documents, religious treatises, and political records to gain deeper insights into the social and institutional context. The meaning of this print shifts as we uncover the web of influences surrounding its creation.