The Crowning with Thorns c. 16th century

Editor: This is Battista Angolo del Moro's "The Crowning with Thorns." It's an engraving, and the stark lines create such a feeling of brutality. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: It's impossible to ignore the raw depiction of violence, but consider also the socio-political context. Religious imagery, especially scenes of Christ's suffering, were often used to reinforce power structures. Do you see any indication of that here? Editor: I guess the way the soldiers are looming over Christ? And how the men next to Christ are sneering. Curator: Precisely. The composition reinforces the idea of authority and subjugation. Think about how this image might have been used to justify oppression or reinforce social hierarchies at the time. Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way. It's more than just a religious scene; it's about power dynamics. Curator: Exactly. By understanding that, we can critically examine how these images continue to influence our understanding of power and identity today. Editor: Thank you, this has given me a lot to consider when I look at art going forward.