adrian smith flagellants title panel 2 Adrian Smith

The drawing presents a figure consumed by self-inflicted suffering and ritualistic display. The subject is rendered in stark monochrome, emphasizing the harshness of his ordeal and contributing to a sense of oppressive solemnity. He appears muscular, yet gaunt, with an expression of anguished ecstasy frozen on his face. His mouth is agape in what could be interpreted as either a scream or a devotional cry.
The figure’s attire consists of ragged, heavy robes, seemingly constructed from coarse materials and adorned with chains and spikes – elements that underscore the theme of penance and physical torment. The chains themselves are prominent, draped across his shoulders and held aloft, suggesting a burden both literal and symbolic. They evoke associations with historical religious practices involving self-flagellation as a means of atonement or spiritual purification.
The artist has employed strong chiaroscuro to highlight the figure’s musculature and emphasize the texture of his clothing. The play of light and shadow creates a dramatic effect, drawing attention to the areas of greatest physical distress – the face, hands, and exposed skin. This technique also contributes to an overall feeling of theatricality, as if the scene is staged for an unseen audience.
Below the figure sits a rectangular panel edged with spikes. Its blank surface suggests a space intended for inscription or display, perhaps bearing a message related to the subject’s suffering or the purpose of his ritual. The placement of this panel reinforces the idea that the depicted act is not merely personal but also public and performative.
The drawings composition directs the viewers gaze upward towards the figures face, then down to the spiked panel, creating a visual circuit that emphasizes both the individual’s suffering and its potential for broader communication or meaning-making. The overall effect is one of intense emotionality, evoking themes of religious fervor, self-mortification, and the complex relationship between pain, faith, and public spectacle.