close-up of Bosch's Christ

Also striking to me that Beckett uses this particular image; interesting eh, that the figure demands to be looked in the eye? And further curious how perfectly Irish this figure is? Hm. Hm.

A quote I found describing this painting is also curious:

“Four torturers surround Christ, pressing towards him, while he looks out at us. Bosch’s picture emphasizes the contrast between the brutality of his tormentors and the mind suffering Christ."

[...]

“Its emotional intensity is achieved in a variety of ways. The half-length figures create a sense of proximity, and the lack of recession in the painting makes it appear claustrophobic. From the centre of the picture Christ seems to appeal to us to share his sufferings.”

(emphasis mine, from The National Gallery website: http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk ---painting number NG4744).