Pontius Pilatus op de Lithostratos

Throughout the ages the image of Pontius Pilate underwent numerous changes. It varied from time to time and from place to place. In Ethiopia he is venerated as a Saint, whereas elsewhere he is considered to be a despicable judge, responsible for the crucifixion and death of an innocent accused, Jesus Christ. In the seventeenth century he received much attention, both in literature and in pictorial art. Hugo Grotius dedicated a religious play to the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, in which Pontius Pilate played an important part. This contribution aims to analyse the seventeenth century Dutch view of Pontius Pilate.