\paperw4260 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 Christ is solemnly seated with the crown of thorns on his head surrounded by a crowd of tormentors.\par
The sticks they are waving ab
ove his head are arranged like a sunburst.\par
The figure viewed from the back, who is urging the others to join the action, is holding an ax in his left hand, while the shiny pommel of a sword is visible at his side.\par
Above the scene hangs a large
chandelier lit with white tongues of flame, which emit a reddish-white light.\par
The architecture in the background is only vaguely visible and its grayness contrasts with the bright color of the figures' clothing and the white of Christ's mantle.
\par
The composition's scheme, which is structured along oblique and opposing axes, shows the influence that Central Italian Mannerism had on Titian. Yet the forms dissolve in the light and the painting relies entirely on color, applied with small strokes of
the brush.\par
The work, which is an excellent example of Titian's late style, was sold to Tintoretto after the artist's death, and was later acquirred by the prince elector of Bavaria.
