The Betrayal of Christ

The Betrayal of Christ

Cornelis Cort

1568

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This black-and-white scene shows a chaotic group of men in the dark. One man in the center, holding a book, stands out—others crowd around him, some with weapons. A few figures kneel or crouch, looking scared or lost. In the background, a dimly lit room and a cross on a pole add to the tense mood. Notice how the artist used deep shadows and sharp lines to show emotion. The rough textures on the faces and clothes make everything feel urgent. Want to see more? Check out engraving to learn how artists like this made detailed prints.

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