Artwork

The Betrayal of Christ by Judas

The Betrayal of Christ by Judas, by Albrecht Dürer, 1508
The Betrayal of Christ by Judas, by Albrecht Dürer, 1508

The Betrayal of Christ by Judas is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1508 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Betrayal of Christ by Judas, created in 1508, is a religious print by Albrecht Dürer, a prominent German Renaissance artist. It showcases his skill in capturing dramatic scenes through innovative techniques.

Subject & Meaning

Depicting a chaotic moment from Christian scripture, the print illustrates the betrayal of Christ. Figures in armor and robes dominate the scene, with Christ being restrained and a drummer on the ground conveying alarm.

Technique & Style

Dürer employed deep shadows and sharp contrasts, characteristic of chiaroscuro, to heighten the drama of the violence. This technique accentuates the figures against a dark, crowded backdrop filled with weaponry.

History & Provenance

Part of Dürer's diverse oeuvre, including altarpieces and engravings, The Betrayal of Christ by Judas is currently held in the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Context

As a favored artist of Emperor Maximilian I, Dürer's work reflects his European acclaim, bridging his early success with woodcuts and later patrons.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Albrecht Dürer

Artist

Albrecht Dürer

Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.