\paperw19995 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 Christ is solemnly seated with the crown of thorns on his head is surrounded by a crowd of tormentors. The sticks they are w
aving above 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 colors of the figuresÆ clothing and the white of ChristÆs man
tle.\par
The compositionÆs 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 s
trokes of the brush.\par
The work, which is an excellent example of TitianÆs late style, was sold to Tintoretto after the artistÆs death, and was later acquired by the prince elector of Bavaria.
