The Flagellation



c. 1455 - Oil and tempera on panel, 58.4 x 81.5 cm -Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, Urbino This is one of Piero's most famous frescoes, and it was painted during his first visit to Urbino. It contains very subtle references to the situation of the time that today are not easily understood. One of the most commonly accepted theory says that the painting was commissioned as an attempt to reconcile the two Christian Churches, Eastern and Western, in view of the imminent Turkish attack to Constantinople. The simultaneous presence of the central character, dressed in Greek style, and of the inscription at the base (convenerunt in unum) seems to confirm such hypothesis. From the point of view of the painting composition and perspective, this work seems to have been carefully planned. The composition is divided in two parts, separated by the column that supports the temple where Jesus Christ is being whipped. The three characters on the right, in a semi-circle, could not be identified. They were certainly very famous and the painting prabably shows their real faces.
The importance of architecture, underlined by the elegant classical temple, suggests a certain harmony between Piero and the theories of the time. The observer should stand right in front of the painting to see the complete scene from a single vanishing point. This is a perfect example of the linear perspective of the XV century. Piero never overlooked details, as one can see looking at the temple ceiling or at the bronze sculpture on the column, enriched by stunning reflections. The magnificent blue and gold contrasts on the embroidered fabric worn by the character on the right reveals Piero's love for the luxury materials and refined garments that many other Florentine painters had completely abandoned.