Who painted The Passion: The Betrayal of Christ?

The Passion: The Betrayal of Christ was painted by Hendrick Goltzius in 1598.

Where can I see The Passion: The Betrayal of Christ?

The Passion: The Betrayal of Christ is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Passion: The Betrayal of Christ?

The Passion: The Betrayal of Christ is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of The Passion: The Betrayal of Christ?

Museum-quality prints of The Passion: The Betrayal of Christ are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Passion: The Betrayal of Christ

Hendrick Goltzius , 1598

The Passion: The Betrayal of Christ is a print by the Renaissance artist Hendrick Goltzius. It dates from 1598 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1923.762.3
Credit line: Gift of Leonard C. Hanna Jr.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1598 by Dutch artist Hendrick Goltzius, this print titled The Passion: The Betrayal of Christ is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. Executed in the late‑Mannerist period, the work captures a pivotal moment from the New Testament narrative, rendered with the dramatic intensity characteristic of Goltzius’s graphic oeuvre.

Subject & Meaning

The image portrays the moment when Christ is seized by a hostile crowd. Central to the composition, the figure of Jesus stands composed while surrounding men grasp his arm, brandish a sword, and display a mixture of aggression and apprehension. The turbulent sky behind them heightens the sense of imminent tragedy, underscoring themes of betrayal and sacrifice.

Technique & Style

Goltzius employs a vigorous chiaroscuro, using stark contrasts of light and dark to model forms and intensify emotional tension. The fine line work and dense cross‑hatching typical of his prints generate a rich tonal range, while the exaggerated gestures and elongated figures reflect the Mannerist taste for artificial elegance and dramatic movement.

History & Provenance

The print was produced in the artist’s workshop in Haarlem and circulated among collectors of the late sixteenth century. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through a 20th‑century acquisition, where it remains on view as an example of Goltzius’s contribution to the development of Northern European printmaking.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Hendrick Goltzius

Hendrick Goltzius (German: , Dutch: ; né Goltz; January or February 1558 – 1 January 1617) was a German-born Dutch printmaker, draftsman, and painter.