Flagellation of Christ

The Flagellation of Christ was one of the most frequently commissioned Passion subjects in Counter-Reformation Italy, where religious orders demanded visceral images of Christ’s suffering. Stom’s late version from around 1650 applies his lifelong mastery of dramatic torchlight to the scourging scene. By this point in his career, the Dutch-born painter had spent over two decades working in Italy and had fully internalized its artistic traditions. Stom's biblical subjects demonstrate the enduring vitality of the Caravaggist tradition in Sicily long after it had faded elsewhere in Europe.

Harsh artificial light rakes across Christ’s bound figure, emphasizing the physical torment with sculptural clarity. The tormentors’ features are half-lost in shadow, making their cruelty anonymous and universal.