Who painted The Betrayal of Christ?

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

Where can I see The Betrayal of Christ?

The Betrayal of Christ is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Betrayal of Christ?

The Betrayal of Christ is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Betrayal of Christ

German 15th Century , 1475

The Betrayal of Christ is an ink 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 Betrayal of Christ is a woodcut print rendered in dark brown ink, enhanced with hand-coloring in a vibrant palette of red lake, green, blue, orange, and gold. The composition centers on a pivotal moment, conveyed through bold lines and expressive gestures rather than detailed facial expressions.

Subject & Meaning

Depicting a tense, dramatic scene, the print illustrates the betrayal of Christ. At the center, a serene figure with a halo (Christ) stands amidst turmoil, holding a staff. Surrounding figures exhibit a range of emotions through their postures and facial expressions, capturing the conflict of the moment.

Technique & Style

Characterized by flat, bright colors set against a simple background, the woodcut employs bold, expressive lines to convey emotion. This style is typical of pre-photographic printmaking, where emphasis was placed on silhouette and gesture over intricate detail.

Context

Created in an era preceding photography, this woodcut exemplifies traditional printmaking techniques. The use of woodcutting allowed for mass reproduction of images, making artworks like The Betrayal of Christ more accessible to a broader audience.