VECCHIETTA
(b. 1410, Siena, d. 1480, Siena)

Scourging of Christ

c. 1460
Bronze relief, 25 x 30 cm
Victoria and Albert Museum, London

The scene of the Flagellation takes place on a shallow protruding pavement marked with six orthogonals. In the centre Christ is shown bound to the column.

The original setting for this relief is not known, but it was perhaps meant for private devotion in the home, or alternatively, perhaps was designed for a predella of an altarpiece. The dramatic poses of the flagellators show the sculptor's interest in exploring the human figure from different viewpoints. The punched decoration of the inner border is unusual for a bronze, being a feature of gold-ground panel paintings.