Lot 131B
Europe, ca. 1700 to 1800 CE. A finely painted oil on board depiction of the second stage of the Mocking of Jesus. According to the gospels (Matthew 20:19, Mark 10:34, and Luke 18:32), Christ predicted he would be mocked, and this occurred in three stages: directly after his trial, following Pontius Pilate's condemnation, and at the Crucifixion. This painting depicts the second stage when Christ was mocked and flogged, after Pontius Pilate's condemnation, by Roman soldiers who clothed him in a scarlet (as we see in this depiction - Matthew 27:28) or purple (Mark 15:17) robe symbolic of the royal gown, placed a crown of thorns on his head representing the royal crown, and also placed a staff in his hand signifying a scepter. Next, they knelt before Jesus and stated, "Hail, king of the Jews!" (Matthew 27:29) in order to mock his kingship. Mounted in handsome carved, painted, and gilded wood frame. Size: 15.5" L x 10.5" W (39.4 cm x 26.7 cm); framed 21.25" L x 17" W (54 cm x 43.2 cm)
Tragically, following these actions, the soldiers spat upon him and repeatedly struck him in the head with a staff. According to theologian and author Petr Leithart, the soldiers then would, "reverse the whole coronation with an anti-coronation. They spit in contempt instead of kneeling in reverence, pull the scepter from Jesus' hand and beat His crowned head with it, strip off the scarlet robe and replace it with Jesus' own robe." (Peter Leithart, Gode is Mocked, Credenda/Agenda)
This striking old master painting boasts strong figural modeling, a dramatic use of light and dark, and a theatrical quality - traits that are all characteristic of Baroque style and quite apropos for this emotional subject. Famous depictions of the Mocking of Christ include those by Edourad Manet (1865), Matthias Grunewald (c. 1505), and Gerrit van Honthorst (c. 1617).
Provenance: Ex-Sieling collection
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#121084
- Condition: Painting has darkened with age. Shows a few areas of surface loss as well as areas of nice craquelure. Frame shows several nicks and gilt/pigment losses, but still serves the composition very well.
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