Ecce Homo

Abstract

This life-size sculpture of Ecce Homo is situated in the Santa Chiara Museum in Naples. Christ is depicted with his hands crossed over his chest, wearing a crown of thorns and a red mantle. The sculpture shows the moment before Christ was crucified, when Pontius Pilate mocked him by saying, “Ecce Homo,” meaning “Behold the Man.” A cord, possibly dipped in gesso and painted to keep its shape, is wrapped around Christ’s hands. Painted blood drips from the wounds on his head caused by the crown of thorns. The sculpture has some damage from insects, but most of the paint remains intact and was likely repainted as an act of devotion. Photograph(s) licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.