The Flagellation, from "The Passion"

The Flagellation, from "The Passion" by Albrecht Dürer, is a powerful example of German Renaissance printmaking, executed as a copperplate engraving in 1512. This print belongs to the artist's series depicting the narrative of Christ’s suffering and sacrifice. Dürer was arguably the greatest master of the engraving technique during his era, known for the remarkable precision and tonal density he achieved through highly controlled work with the burin. The inherent stark black-and-white contrast of the medium effectively emphasizes the dramatic intensity of the scene.

The composition captures the moment where Jesus, depicted centrally and bound to a column, endures brutal abuse from his tormentors. Two powerful men, likely Roman soldiers, are shown actively applying whips and rods, driving home the emotional and physical anguish of the pivotal event. This episode, central to Christian iconography, was created for wide dissemination. As part of Dürer's acclaimed print series chronicling "The Passion," these images were highly sought after across Europe, allowing laypeople and clergy alike to privately meditate upon the ultimate suffering of Christ.

The meticulous detail and psychological depth characteristic of Dürer's hand elevate this small-scale work beyond mere illustration. The work showcases the artist's pioneering use of line to convey texture, form, and emotion within the stringent confines of the engraving medium. Today, this masterwork is held in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of the lasting influence and wide distribution of the original copperplate, these historical prints remain a key focus for scholars studying 16th-century German art and the democratization of religious imagery through graphic media.