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Christ Crowned with Thorns (Ecce Homo), and the Mourning Virgin (Mater Dolorosa)

Adriaen Isenbrant Netherlandish
ca. 1530–40
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 636
In this austere and haunting image, Isenbrant depicts Christ in the form of an Ecce homo—presented to the people of Jerusalem by Pilate, the Roman prefect of the city, prior to being led off to be crucified. He wears a crown of thorns and on his exposed torso bears the wounds from his flagellation. The hostile crowd, however, is omitted. Seen up close, in half-length and nearly life-size, Christ and his mother have been isolated for devotional contemplation. They are presented directly to the viewer, who becomes Christ’s judge as well as a participant in the Virgin’s grief.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Christ Crowned with Thorns (Ecce Homo), and the Mourning Virgin (Mater Dolorosa)
  • Artist: Adriaen Isenbrant (Netherlandish, active by 1510–died 1551 Bruges)
  • Date: ca. 1530–40
  • Medium: Oil on canvas, transferred from wood
  • Dimensions: 41 1/2 x 36 1/2 in. (105.4 x 92.7 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1904
  • Object Number: 04.32
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

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The Lamentation, Ambrosius Benson Netherlandish, Oil on canvas, transferred from wood
The Lamentation
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The Life of the Virgin, Adriaen Isenbrant Netherlandish, Oil on wood
The Life of the Virgin
Adriaen Isenbrant
after 1521
Man Weighing Gold, Adriaen Isenbrant Netherlandish, Oil on wood
Man Weighing Gold
Adriaen Isenbrant
ca. 1515–20
Moses Striking the Rock, Abraham Bloemaert Netherlandish, Oil on canvas
Moses Striking the Rock
Abraham Bloemaert
1596
The Crucifixion; The Last Judgment, Jan van Eyck Netherlandish, Oil on canvas, transferred from wood
The Crucifixion; The Last Judgment
Jan van Eyck
ca. 1436–38

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