Reverse Copy of Jésus est Battu de Verges pièce appelée aussi La Flagellation (The Flagellation), from La Petite Passion (The Little Passion) 1624 - 1700

This print, "Reverse Copy of Jésus est Battu de Verges…", is an anonymous piece of unknown date, part of "La Petite Passion." The composition is immediately striking. The dense, dark etching of the archway frames a scene of brutal flagellation, creating a stark contrast between enclosure and the open space where the violence unfolds. The artist uses line and shadow to draw our eyes into the central drama, where the figures are rendered with frenetic energy. Consider how the archway itself functions as a signifier. Its rough texture and imposing presence suggest confinement, while the open space within becomes a stage for human cruelty. This interplay of space and form isn’t just about depicting a biblical scene; it’s about exploring the very structure of power and suffering. Notice how the artist employs a semiotic system of signs, where architectural elements and body language convey deeper cultural and philosophical meanings about justice, authority, and the human condition. The artwork challenges fixed meanings, prompting us to reflect on the enduring presence of violence within our own cultural narratives.