Alabaster panel depicting the Flagellation. English, 15th century.

The haloed Christ, represented with a forked beard and naked but for a loincloth, stands in the centre of the panel, facing right. He leans his left shoulder against a column encircled by his arms, which are bound at the wrists with a rope held in the left hand of the torturer on the right of the panel. This figure, his right hand raised holding a scourge, wears a flattish hat, a short gown and a cloak with a falchion hanging from his belt. He is balanced by a similar figure on the left of the panel, holding a scourge in both hands above his head. Two more simlar figures are represented at the top of the panel.

The top of the panel is chipped, and part of the scourge held by the figure in the top left-hand corner is mising. Christ's right shoulder is chipped. The top right-hand corner of the panel is badly cracked.

Traces of green paint and the usual daisy pattern remain on the ground. Considerable traces of red paint are to be seen in the folds of the garments of the figures.

There are four holes drilled into the back of the panel, two with traces of latten wire. The bottom of the panel is cut away.

Purchased in 1902.

Historical significance: The design and placing of the figures makes this a typical 15th-century panel of the Flagellation.

This alabaster panel is carved in high relief with the Flagellation and shows Jesus Christ, bound to a column, being scourged. Pontius Pilate ordered the flogging to take place before the crucifixion.

1572-1902