3-098-301 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Ecce Homo, 1607. Scene from the Passion of Christ. Jesus, wearing a crown of thorns, is brought before the Roman governor in Judea, Pontius Pilate. With the words "Behold the man!" ("Ecce homo"), Pilate announces the pitiful sight, showing Christ's suffering. The figure closest to the viewer, leaning emphatically over the balcony parapet, is Pilate. Engaging both the implied crowd and the viewer directly, Pilate is racked with indecision. Finding no evidence for the charge against him, he hands Jesus's fate to the crowd and he is condemned to die by shouts of "Crucify him!". The central figure of Christ, sorrowful and resigned, is brightly illuminated with the dramatic chiaroscuro typical of Caravaggio's style. Vivid spots of blood echo the rich crimson of the robe mockingly draped across his shoulders by the soldier, contrasting his pale flesh. The final figure looms behind Christ with an open mouth, perhaps shouting to the crowd, heightening the sense of drama and indecision. Sharp points of white paint in his eyes convey turbulent emotions, but it's unclear whether he is moved by hatred, panic or pity.