Bartholomew van Bassen (1590-1652), Mocking of Christ

106,5 × 88,5 cm
Oil on copper

After being condemned by Pontius Pilate, Jesus was mocked by the Roman soldiers in the Praetorium as the King of the Jews (Mark 15:16-20; Matthew 27:27-31). They clothed him with a purple robe, put a crown of thorns on him, and gave him a reed as a scepter. Then they knelt before him. This scene is located in the middle of the open hall of the palace. Pilate watches the mockery from the balcony above the portal to the left. Next to him is the high priest, pointing down at Jesus. Soldiers and other people from the court also watch the mockery with amusement. Two soldiers sit on a bench in the front left while more spectators stand in the background. On the right is a view through the courtyard gate with a portcullis into the palace courtyard. The central mocking group is inspired by an engraving after a painting by Anthony van Dyck. Conspicuous on the right is the officer with the fur, which is designed almost archaeologically, according to ancient reliefs.