Christ Before Pilate

Nikolaus Knüpfer

about 1640–1650

Brush and brown ink and brown wash, heightened with white gouache,, on light brown paper, Brush, Ink, Wash

J. Paul Getty Museum

A group of figures are depicted in a scene with a central elevated platform and a barred enclosure. A figure in the foreground appears to be holding a torch. An angry crowd of onlookers gathers to observe Pontius Pilate's sentencing of Jesus. Having questioned Christ and found him innocent, Pilate wanted to release him, but he gave in to the bloodthirsty mob clamoring for crucifixion. To emphasize his lack of responsibility for the decision, Pilate washed his hands in public. This scene occurs on the raised platform outside the courthouse, while soldiers hold back the crowds at the foot of the steps. Nikolaus Knüpfer created a stage-like setting for the drama of the trial. The darkened foreground figures lead the eye upward to the platform where the dramatic forms of Christ and his torme