Christ Before Pilate 1665 - 1685

This drawing, Christ Before Pilate, was made by Thomas Blanchet in the 17th century. Executed in pen and brown ink with a subtle blue wash, it captures a pivotal biblical scene with dramatic intensity. Notice how Blanchet uses dynamic lines and cross-hatching to build form and texture. The architectural setting, though sketched, provides a structured backdrop, while the figures are rendered with expressive gestures and emotional faces. The composition is carefully organized to draw your eye to Christ and Pilate, positioned at opposing sides of the visual field, creating a palpable tension. The use of the grid beneath the sketch is also quite interesting. It destabilizes the established meaning of the drawing by adding a different dimension to the piece. This juxtaposition invites us to reflect on the power dynamics at play and the broader philosophical questions of justice and authority. The materiality of the drawing, with its visible lines and washes, underscores the human element in this divine narrative.