Cimabue ca. 1240 – 1302

The Flagellation of Christ

tempera on panel (25 × 20 cm) — c. 1280 Frick Collection, New York, NY

Cimabue biography

This work is linked to John 19:1

Pontius Pilate, governor of Judea, had the captured Christ flagellated by some of his soldiers.

Cimabue displayed the episode in a symmetric setting, with Christ in the center and soldiers to his left and right. In the background are two towers.

The panel of poplar wood was probably part of a polyptych showing scenes from the Passion, which may have served as an altarpiece. Another panel is in London; it shows the Madonna and Child.

Rate this work of art: