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Ecce Homo

An image of the scourged and crowned Christ presented to the people by Pilate, often emphasizing humiliation, wounds, and the crown of thorns.

Short Definition

Christ presented by Pilate after the scourging and crowning with thorns.

Difficulty

Beginner

Language Origin

Latin

Pronunciation

EHK-keh HOH-moh

Ecce Homo depicts Christ after the Flagellation and Crowning with Thorns, presented by Pilate to the crowd. In devotional sculpture the narrative setting may be reduced until Christ stands alone, bound or half-length, wearing the crown of thorns and displaying his wounds.

Etymology

Latin ecce homo, “behold the man,” from the Vulgate wording of John 19:5.

Sculptor Notes

The type often depends on restraint rather than action. Small changes in the head angle, shoulders, bound hands, and direction of the eyes can carry more emotional force than exaggerated suffering.

References

https://www.metmuseum.org/essays/the-crucifixion-and-passion-of-christ-in-italian-painting