After his arrest in Jerusalem and either just before or after his appearance before Caiaphas the high priest (the accounts vary) Christ was set upon by the Jews and subjected to various indignities. The scene should not be confused with the Crowning with Thorns, a later and in some respects similar incident. 'Some began to spit on him, blindfolded him, and struck him with their fists.' 'Others said, as they struck him, "Now, Messiah, if you are a prophet, tell us who hit you."' The scene may be depicted taking place before Caiaphas who sits on his seat of judgment; or Christ is himself seated, surrounded by his mockers. He is generally blindfold and his hands tied with cords. He is sometimes wrongly portrayed holding a makeshift scepter and perhaps orb - these belong strictly to the 'Crowning'. One of the Jews is about to strike him with upraised fist, others with sticks. One tugs his hair, another spits on him. Sometimes musicians with cymbals, drum and pipes try to deafen him with their din. The scene may include Peter's 'Denial' which took place at about the same time. The 'Mocking' can be distinguished from the 'Crowning' by the absence of the crown and by the identity of the mockers who are Jews, not Roman soldiers. The theme is less common than the 'Crowning', and belongs chiefly to the art of Renaissance Italy and Germany.

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James Hall, Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art, New York: Harper & Row, rev. ed. 1979