Ecce Homo. Christ Before Pilate, Watercolor Drawing, 18th/19th Century

Ecce Homo. Christ before Pilate, pen and ink with wash on laid paper, late 18th – early 19th century
(44.5 × 36.5 cm)

Christ is brought to judgment and presented to the crowd, held by soldiers and placed at the center of the scene, exposed to the collective gaze. From a raised platform, Pilate leans forward in a reflective attitude, while figures gather closely around.

The drawing is executed in pen and ink with extensive use of wash, used to define shadows and depth. The line is rapid and at times abbreviated, with a certain freedom in anatomical rendering and chiaroscuro passages, suggesting a studio study rather than a finished work. The overall character reflects a neoclassical visual culture.

On the reverse are several sketches in graphite and red chalk, including a small reprise of the same composition and figure studies, indicating the use of the sheet as a working surface.

The laid paper shows a clearly visible structure, with fine and regular laid lines consistent with production in the late 18th to early 19th century.

Condition with scattered stains, folds, abrasions and losses along the edges, including a loss in the lower area