Christ Brought Before Pilate, Giovanni Battista Crosato

Exhibition Label: "Corpus," Apr-2012, Kris Ercums In this dramatic scene, the bound Jesus stands before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Palestine. In the Bible, Pilate asks Jesus if he is the King of the Jews to which he remains silent. Pilate then asks the crowd what to do with Jesus. They answer “Crucify him.” Pilate responds with the question, “Why, what evil has he done?” In this painting, Pilate’s gesture could indicate any of his three questions. The striking interplay of different hand gestures at the center of the composition tells the story. The activated composition, dramatic gestures, and strong contrasts of light and shade of this painting are characteristic of the Italian late-Baroque style. Archive Label: Crosato depicts the bound Christ before Pilate. In the Bible, Pilate asks Christ if he is the King of the Jews and Christ remains silent. Pilate then asks what the crowd wants him to do with Christ and they answer “Crucify him” to which Pilate responds with the question, “Why, what evil has he done?” Pilate’s gesture could indicate any of his three questions. Christ is surrounded by soldiers and, possibly, the priests who accused him. The activated composition, bright colors, fluid paint textures, dramatic gestures, and strong contrasts of light and shade of this painting are characteristic of the late Italian baroque style. Pilate’s exotic turban, crown, and pearls, unlikely costume for a Roman governor, are also characteristic of this period. Crosato, who was famed as a fresco painter and set designer, is best known for his decorative wall murals, which still grace the palaces of Venice and Turin.