1642
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Scourging is a 1642 ink by Wenceslaus Hollar, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white print shows a group of robed figures in a dim, shadowy room. One man stands bound to a post, his arms stretched wide, while others hold whips and tools. The floor is scattered with coils of rope and a fallen object. The walls are plain, with a small window or niche on the right. Notice how the artist uses deep shadows and dramatic lighting to make the scene feel tense. The figures’ faces are blurred, focusing attention on their actions and the heavy mood. Next, look up etching to see how this technique creates such sharp, detailed lines.
Wenceslaus Hollar (Czech: Václav Hollar (Czech pronunciation: ), German: Wenzel Hollar; 23 July 1607 – 25 March 1677) was a Czech engraver, etcher and painter.
See the richer artist page
