Flagellation of Christ, with the Pavement

The Flagellation of Christ, with the Pavement is an important Early Renaissance work executed between 1475 and 1480, jointly attributed to Andrea Mantegna and Gian Marco Cavalli. This significant Italian print, classified specifically as an engraving on laid paper, showcases the sophisticated collaborative nature of printmaking during the period 1401 to 1500. While the powerful, classically inspired composition is generally credited to the master Mantegna, the highly skilled physical execution of the engraving plate is often attributed to Cavalli.

The work depicts the agonizing moment of Christ’s flagellation, bound to a column and flanked by two muscular, menacing tormentors. Characteristic of Mantegna’s distinctive style, the focus is placed not only on the dramatic human figures but also on the meticulously rendered architectural setting. The famous “Pavement” referenced in the title highlights the artist’s dedication to linear perspective and archaeological exactitude, creating a profound sense of receding space through the geometrically patterned floor tiles. This focus on classical ruins and strong, low vantage points was highly influential on subsequent generations of artists.

Cavalli’s deft translation of Mantegna’s complex design into the engraving medium demonstrates the growing importance of prints in disseminating major artistic ideas throughout Italy and across Europe. These early, high-quality prints played a critical role in establishing the visual language of the Renaissance master. The piece currently resides in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art (NGA). As a historical masterwork from the 15th century, the print’s legacy continues, often being reproduced for scholarly study, with high-resolution images of historical art, like this one, frequently made available in the public domain for research purposes.