Artwork

Flagellation of Christ

Flagellation of Christ, by Gaspare Diziani, 1752
Flagellation of Christ, by Gaspare Diziani, 1752

Flagellation of Christ is a drawing by the Baroque artist Gaspare Diziani. It dates from 1752 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1960.179

About this work

Overview

Flagellation of Christ is a drawing by Gaspare Diziani, created circa 1752, exemplifying the late-Baroque to Rococo transition in Italian art. The work is characterized by a dynamic, chaotic depiction of the titular scene.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing illustrates the biblical episode of Christ's flagellation, with the central figure bound and whipped, encircled by a multitude of onlookers in dramatic, expressive poses, conveying turmoil and emotional intensity.

Technique & Style

Executed with loose, sketchy lines and rapid strokes, the drawing conveys a sense of urgency. Diziani employed strong chiaroscuro, achieving depth through pronounced light-and-shadow contrasts, particularly evident in the rendering of faces and hands.

History & Provenance

Created during Diziani's prolific period across Venice, Dresden, and Munich, the drawing is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. The paper's aged appearance, with worn, browned edges, attests to its antiquity.

The Flagellation of Christ
The Flagellation of Christ, Flemish 17th century

Artist & collection

Portrait of Gaspare Diziani

Artist

Gaspare Diziani

Gaspare Diziani (1689 – 17 August 1767) was an Italian painter of the late-Baroque or Roccoco period, active mainly in the Republic of Venice but also in Dresden and Munich.

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

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Flagellation of Christ?

Flagellation of Christ was painted by Gaspare Diziani in 1752.

Where can I see Flagellation of Christ?

Flagellation of Christ is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Flagellation of Christ?

Flagellation of Christ is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Flagellation of Christ?

Museum-quality prints of Flagellation of Christ are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.