Massys was one of the most important painters in early sixteenth-century Antwerp. He continued the realism and attention to detail of fifteenth-century painting, as seen in the faces of the figures and the metallic reflection of one of the soldier’s helmets. This is combined with the influences of the Italian Renaissance in the use of architecture and classical decoration.

The oblique perspective emphasises Pontius Pilate while the high viewpoint locates the viewer behind the three figures below the balcony. One of them harangues the figure seen from behind who, with a surprised expression, looks at the crowd demanding Christ’s punishment, while the third seems to ask the viewer’s opinion. The upper balcony has figures symbolising Charity. The banner with the double-headed eagle may be a reference to the eagle on the standard of the Roman legions.