The Betrayal of Christ

The Betrayal of Christ is a powerful woodcut created by Albrecht Dürer, produced during the pivotal era of the German Renaissance (c. 1485-1528). This print captures the dramatic moment of Christ’s arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, an event central to the Passion cycle. Dürer, recognized as a revolutionary force in European art, was instrumental in elevating the woodcut from a utilitarian craft into a recognized fine art medium.

The technique requires precise cutting of the block, and Dürer utilized this density to achieve intense contrasts and emotional volatility in the composition. The scene is intentionally chaotic, surrounding the serene figure of Christ with a volatile crowd of men. The viewer's attention is drawn to the violent intent of the soldiers, whose actions are underscored by the visually arresting cluster of raised swords, spears, and polearms dominating the background. These weapons serve to frame the central drama while emphasizing the vulnerability of the subject.

The widespread nature of prints allowed Dürer's sophisticated style and iconographic depth to reach a vast European audience, influencing subsequent generations of artists and establishing new standards for graphic arts. This influential work by Dürer is classified as a print and is housed in the distinguished collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Due to its age and historical significance, high-quality reproductions of the work are frequently available within the public domain, ensuring global access to the output of this pivotal German master.