Spanish or Italian school; 17th century.

Spanish or Italian school; XVII century.
"Ecce Homo".
Oil on canvas. Relined.
Measurements: 43 x 38 cm; 67 x 61,5 cm (frame).
This devotional canvas deals with the Ecce Homo, one of the most intense and eloquent motifs of the baroque iconography, conceived to directly question the viewer's sensibility. By means of a sober and concentrated composition, the artist eliminates any accessory element and directs all attention to the face of Christ, which becomes the real emotional axis of the work. This economy of means does not impoverish the scene, but rather endows it with an extraordinary expressive force, inviting an intimate and silent contemplation, fully in keeping with the spirituality of the Catholic Baroque.
From the formal point of view, the work stands out for its masterful treatment of light, which bursts with intensity to model Christ's face through strong hallmarks of chiaroscuro. This light focus not only defines the volumes, but also acts as a symbolic resource, underlining the transcendent dimension of the figure against a neutral background that enhances his physical and spiritual presence. The chromatic palette, contained and carefully harmonized, is articulated around ochers, earths and carmines, creating a warm and sober atmosphere that reinforces the sensation of truth and humanity of the character.