Luca di Tommè – De geseling van Christus, 1365 Rijksmuseum: part 4

The composition presents a scene of suffering and subjugation, centered around a central figure enduring physical torment. Here we see a man, largely unclothed, positioned slightly forward in relation to several other figures who surround him. His posture suggests both vulnerability and stoicism; he leans forward, yet his expression appears resigned rather than overtly anguished. The artist has rendered the body with a degree of realism, depicting visible wounds and emphasizing the musculature, though the overall effect is somewhat flattened due to the stylistic conventions of the period.
Several men are actively involved in the infliction of pain. Two figures on either side wield implements that appear to be whips or rods, their arms extended towards the central figure’s torso. Their gestures convey a sense of deliberate action and controlled aggression. A man positioned closer to the viewer points an accusatory finger, reinforcing the narrative of blame and punishment. The attire of these individuals suggests varying degrees of authority; one wears what appears to be royal or ceremonial garb, while others are dressed in simpler garments indicative of soldiers or guards.
The background is structured by a series of arches, creating a sense of depth but also contributing to the overall formality of the scene. A dark green curtain hangs behind the central figure, providing a stark contrast to his pale skin and emphasizing his isolation within this tableau. The limited color palette – dominated by reds, browns, and greens – further reinforces the solemnity and gravity of the depicted event.
Subtleties in the composition suggest layers of meaning beyond the immediate depiction of physical suffering. The positioning of the figures implies a hierarchy of power, with the central figure occupying a position of subjugation relative to those who inflict pain upon him. The pointing gesture introduces an element of judgment and condemnation, hinting at broader themes of sin, redemption, and divine justice. The formal arrangement of the scene, despite its violent subject matter, suggests a deliberate attempt to convey not only suffering but also a sense of order and control within a larger narrative framework. The overall effect is one of restrained emotion and symbolic weight, characteristic of devotional art intended to evoke contemplation and piety in the viewer.