Christ before Pilate, from The Passion of Christ

The Roman governor Pilate appears in elaborate robes and a turban-like hat, gesturing towards Christ as a crowd of soldiers and officials watches the trial. A prominent soldier in the foreground is shown from behind, wearing detailed contemporary armor and holding a mace. The setting is a palace interior with an arched view of a city featuring tall towers and bridges in the distance.

This engraving is part of Goltzius's 'Master Prints' series, in which he demonstrated technical virtuosity by perfectly mimicking the styles of earlier masters like Lucas van Leyden. This exercise in 'imitatio' reflects the late Renaissance philosophical interest in the power of the artist to transform and replicate the natural and historical world.