Disrobing of Christ 1520

Bernhard Strigel painted this oil on panel artwork, “Disrobing of Christ”, around 1520. The painting immediately presents a stark emotional contrast through its composition and color palette. Notice how the pale, vulnerable figure of Christ, dotted with red marks of flagellation, is positioned centrally. He is flanked by the somber, muted tones of the women and the garish, almost theatrical robes of his tormentors. The figures are grouped tightly in the foreground, creating a claustrophobic space that intensifies the scene's emotional weight. The painting's structure is built upon a series of contrasts: the smooth skin of Christ versus the textured fabrics, the passive acceptance of the condemned versus the active aggression of his captors. These visual binaries serve not only to highlight the injustice of the moment but also to destabilize traditional notions of power and authority. As you consider “Disrobing of Christ,” think about how Strigel uses form to ask us to question the values of his society. The painting, therefore, becomes an enduring testament to human suffering.