In this deliberately anachronistic composition, Afflick revisits Carl Heinrich Bloch’s classic narrative of The Mocking of Christ to explore the hidden mechanics of spiritual warfare, shifting the focus to a profound dualism: Possession and Protection.

The Mockery and the Host

At first glance, the scene retains its historical gravity, but Afflick introduces a jarring, modern British road sign behind the figures: "Danger: Falling Rocks." Within the context of the painting, the "falling rocks" serve as a direct, chilling metaphor for the fallen host—the catastrophic descent of Satan’s rebellious angels. The grinning, helmeted soldier is no longer just a cruel historical actor; he is actively possessed by one of these malevolent spirits. His malicious sneer is the visible manifestation of a cosmic rebellion, operating through human cruelty.

Divine Shelter

Contrasting this demonic intrusion is the surreal presence of a modern umbrella held by Christ. This object transcends its everyday utility to become a profound symbol of absolute spiritual protection. While the possessed soldier unleashes his fury, Christ remains entirely untouched by the spiritual debris falling around Him. The umbrella represents the ultimate sanctuary of divine grace, shielding the Savior—and, by extension, the faithful—from the invisible storm of the adversary.

Afflick’s fusion of 19th-century realism with contemporary symbolism challenges viewers to recognize the ancient battle between good and evil operating beneath the surface of the modern world, a theme common in Afflick’s work.