The Betrayal of Christ, from The Large Passion

The Betrayal of Christ, from The Large Passion by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, is a dramatic woodcut executed in 1510. This pivotal work forms part of Dürer’s celebrated print cycle, The Large Passion, a series that redefined the expressive and narrative capabilities of the woodcut medium in Northern Renaissance Germany. The print, rendered in dense black ink on ivory laid paper, showcases the artist’s mastery of technique. Dürer utilized sophisticated linework and varied cross-hatching to achieve complex tonal gradations and deep shadows, transforming the traditionally bold medium into one capable of profound detail and psychological intensity.

The composition captures the tumultuous moment in the Garden of Gethsemane just after Judas’s kiss identifies Christ to the Roman soldiers. In the foreground, the violent confrontation between Saint Peter and Malchus, the High Priest’s servant, dominates the action, with Peter vigorously wielding his sword. Dürer (1471-1528) contrasts this chaotic, angular energy with the calm, central figure of Christ, who submits gracefully to the arresting mob. The density of figures and the compressed space intensify the emotional resonance of the scene, emphasizing both the betrayal and the divine resignation of Christ.

This iconic work illustrates Dürer’s monumental contribution to printmaking, solidifying his stature as the most influential figure of the German Renaissance. His ability to disseminate such powerful imagery through affordable prints ensured widespread influence across Europe. This compelling depiction of a crucial biblical narrative is housed within the esteemed collection of prints and drawings at the Art Institute of Chicago. Given the age and significance of this 1510 woodcut, high-resolution reproductions of this print are frequently found within public domain art archives, allowing global access to this masterwork.