Geseling c. 1645 - 1702

This is an engraving made by an anonymous artist, depicting 'The Flagellation of Christ'. The print belongs to a larger tradition of religious imagery, reflecting the powerful influence of the church on artistic production and reception. Made in the Netherlands, it would have been a period of intense religious and political upheaval. The visual codes employed are striking. On the one hand, the central figure of Christ is idealized. On the other hand, the Roman soldiers are rendered with unflattering features. Consider the historical associations. The Roman Empire was often associated with decadence and paganism, while Christianity represented a new moral order. The print subtly critiques the institutions of power and the social structures of its time. Understanding this work requires an understanding of the social and institutional contexts in which it was made. By consulting historical texts, religious documents, and art historical scholarship, we can gain deeper insight into the meaning and significance of this image.