The Betrayal of Christ

The Betrayal of Christ is a powerful woodcut on laid paper created by Albrecht Dürer in 1510. This work is a defining example of the German master's unparalleled contribution to the printmaking revolution of the early 16th century, a period marked by rapid artistic innovation across Europe.

Dürer was instrumental in elevating the woodcut from a simple illustrative technique to a sophisticated artistic form. The complexity of the lines and the dramatic use of light and shadow achieved in this print demonstrate the technical brilliance that solidified the Northern Renaissance style. This particular subject, central to Christian theology, captures the moment when Judas Iscariot identifies Jesus to the Roman soldiers in the Garden of Gethsemane, initiating Christ’s Passion.

Characteristic of Dürer’s style, the composition is dense and focused, emphasizing the spiritual violence and emotional intensity of the scene. The figures are tightly grouped, creating a claustrophobic effect that heightens the sense of inevitable tragedy. Dürer’s careful treatment of the clothing and individualized expressions provides sharp detail, which is remarkable given the technical limitations inherent to the woodcut medium itself. The clarity and precision of the lines are hallmarks of the artist’s mature period.

Produced during the height of the German Renaissance, this piece reflects the widespread demand for devotional images that were easily reproducible. Dürer’s proficiency ensured that his prints circulated widely, influencing generations of artists beyond the period 1501 to 1550. As a testament to the enduring significance of this body of work, this impression of The Betrayal of Christ is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, providing critical access to one of history’s most important artists whose work often features in public domain collections today.