Christ before Pilate

early 16th century

After his arrest, Christ was led before the governor Pontius Pilate, who had the power to order his release. Instead, the Roman ruler literally washed his hands of the matter and passively condemned Jesus to his fate. In the background, a stripped and beaten Christ is shown to the people, who call for his death. The tight framing, common during this period, focuses attention on Jesus’s suffering and the grotesque faces of his tormentors.

Oil on wood panel

26 7/16 x 16 5/16 in. (67.15 x 41.47 cm)

Overall h.: 36 7/8 in.

Gift of Millard Sheets

62.196

Now on view at the Seattle Art Museum

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