Artwork

The Flagellation

The Flagellation, by Albrecht Dürer, 1512
The Flagellation, by Albrecht Dürer, 1512

The Flagellation is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1512 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1921.1166

About this work

Overview

Albrecht Dürer's 1512 print, The Flagellation, is a black-and-white work exemplifying the artist's skill in printmaking. It is part of the collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a tense scene of a man being restrained and prepared for flagellation, a form of punishment associated with the Passion of Christ. The figures are set in a dimly lit, rough-textured space.

Technique & Style

Dürer employs chiaroscuro, a technique using strong contrasts between light and dark, to create a sense of drama and tension. The use of chiaroscuro was a significant artistic innovation during this period.

History & Provenance

Created in 1512, The Flagellation reflects Dürer's engagement with religious themes and his connections to both Northern and Southern European artistic traditions. The work is now held in the Cleveland Museum of Art.

The Flagellation
The Flagellation, Albrecht Dürer

Artist & collection

Portrait of Albrecht Dürer

Artist

Albrecht Dürer

Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Flagellation?

The Flagellation was painted by Albrecht Dürer in 1512.

Where can I see The Flagellation?

The Flagellation is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Flagellation?

The Flagellation is associated with Renaissance.