Ecce Homo: Behold the Man

In John 19, the Roman ruler, Pontius Pilate, brings Jesus out before the crowd and says, “Behold the man!” This moment, later translated into the Latin phrase “Ecce Homo,” has since been visualized by hundreds of artists, each bringing their perspective to the suffering of Jesus during his trial, crucifixion, and death.

The earliest depictions of the “Ecce Homo” scene appear in the ninth and tenth centuries by Syrian-Byzantine artists, who often portrayed Jesus surrounded by people outside of the palace of Pontius Pilate, crowned with thorns, and wearing a purple robe as described in the Bible. By the fifteenth century, this image had changed to focus primarily on the wounded figure of Jesus, becoming a symbolic remembrance of the event rather than a depiction of the biblical scene. By the twentieth century, the image had zoomed in even further to the raw expression on the face of Jesus, punctuated with harsh lines, tight frames, and dynamic color palettes.

Ecce Homo: Behold the Man explores how 20 artists across five centuries, multiple genres, and mixed media have visualized the moment Jesus stood trial, interpreting the concept of suffering as it is uniquely understood by the artist and by the viewer.

• The exhibit consists of 20 framed prints and drawings that are ready to hang.
• The exhibit travels in two professionally packed crates according to a detailed list.
• Venues should allow for approximately 40 linear feet for a double-hung exhibition or 80 linear feet for a single-hung exhibition.
• Exhibition space must be shielded from natural light, food, and drink. It must also be kept at a consistent temperature of approximately 70 degrees (plus or minus 2) and, if possible, a consistent humidity of 50%. If this is concern, please contact us to discuss options.
• Exhibition space must have appropriate security measures in place such as cameras, 24-hour response, guards on-site (either roaming or static), lockable doors, and alarms.
• Marketing assets will be provided for use by the venue. Production of marketing materials and local promotion is the responsibility of the venue.
• The rental fee for Ecce Homo: Behold the Man is $1,000/month for a minimum of 3 months. An additional week before and after is allowed for shipping and installation. Additional months may be purchased to extend the exhibition schedule.
• Shipping fees are not included in the exhibition fee. In-bound shipping is covered either by Museum of the Bible or by the previous venue, out-bound shipping is the responsibility of the current venue.
• For additional questions, see our Frequently Asked Questions or contact us through the inquiry form.

Available after August 2026.