Who painted Betrayal?

Betrayal was painted by German 15th Century in 1490.

Where can I see Betrayal?

Betrayal is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Betrayal?

Betrayal is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Betrayal

German 15th Century , 1490

Betrayal is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1490 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

“Betrayal” is a hand‑colored woodcut print that presents a central figure in a long robe crowned with a halo, surrounded by five other men. The composition is rendered in a limited palette of blue, green and yellow, and the figures are depicted with a simplified, blocky aesthetic typical of early Renaissance woodcut techniques.

Subject & Meaning

The central, haloed figure appears sorrowful and apprehensive, while the surrounding men are shown restraining or kissing him, suggesting a narrative of treachery or emotional conflict. The halo traditionally signals sanctity, creating a tension between the figure’s implied holiness and the surrounding acts of betrayal.

Technique & Style

Executed as a woodcut, the image relies on carved lines and flat areas of color applied after printing, a method that yields the characteristic bold outlines and limited tonal range. The hand‑coloring in muted blues, greens and yellows accentuates the stark contrasts inherent in the medium and reflects the straightforward visual language of Renaissance printmaking.

Context

The work aligns with the broader Renaissance interest in narrative prints that could be reproduced and disseminated widely. Its straightforward, graphic style mirrors the period’s emphasis on clarity of story and moral instruction, while the use of a halo connects the scene to religious iconography common in the era’s visual culture.