Ecce Homo

Ecce Homo

Sebald Beham

1522

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This woodcut shows a crowded scene with two main groups. On the left, a robed figure holds a round object, surrounded by others in flowing clothes. To the right, a man stands bound to a pillar, wearing a crown of thorns, with a soldier holding a spear. The background is packed with more figures, some kneeling, others gesturing, all in a dark, textured style. The central figure’s crown of thorns and the soldier’s spear suggest this is a religious scene, likely about Jesus before his crucifixion. The artist used sharp lines and heavy shading to create drama and depth. Next, check out how woodcut works as a printing technique.

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