2-744-058 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

The Flagellation, from a Mirror of Holiness (Mir’at al-quds) of Father Jerome Xavier, 1602-1604. This is the last illustration in the Cleveland manuscript of the Mir’at al-quds. It depicts the scene of the flagellation of Jesus, but it foreshadows the Crucifixion, since his feet are elevated off the ground. His facial expression combines both pain and compassion as he is whipped by Roman soldiers. Although the Crucifixion is the most important event in the narrative of the life of Jesus, it is not depicted in this manuscript. This is perhaps due to the discomfort of Mughal painters or patrons with the subject. According to the Koran, Jesus was not crucified, but his body was mystically brought to heaven by Allah.