Who painted The Betrayal?

The Betrayal was painted by German 15th Century in 1475.

Where can I see The Betrayal?

The Betrayal is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Betrayal?

The Betrayal is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Betrayal

German 15th Century , 1475

The Betrayal is a paint print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1475 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The work, titled The Betrayal, is a metalcut print that has been hand‑coloured with pigments of yellow, red‑brown lake and green. The composition presents a compact group of three figures against a muted backdrop, rendered with the crisp linear quality typical of early modern printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

At the centre of the scene a bearded, long‑haired man receives a kiss from another male figure, while a third individual, positioned behind them, brandishes a sword. The interaction suggests an act of treachery or clandestine alliance, conveyed through the intimate gesture and the threatening presence of the weapon.

Technique & Style

The image was produced by cutting the design into a metal plate, a method that allows for fine, decisive lines. After printing, the work was enhanced with hand‑applied colour, giving it a layered surface and a richer visual depth. The palette and the clear, bold outlines reflect the aesthetic concerns of the Renaissance period.

History & Provenance

The piece belongs to the broader tradition of Renaissance printmaking, when metalcut and hand‑coloring were employed to disseminate narrative scenes beyond the reach of painted works. Its precise origins and ownership trail remain undocumented, but the technique situates it within the early modern European market for affordable, illustrated prints.

Context

During the Renaissance, prints served both educational and decorative purposes, often illustrating moral or historical episodes. The dramatic tableau of The Betrayal aligns with contemporary interests in human emotion, conflict, and the moral implications of deceit, themes frequently explored in literature and visual art of the era.