The Betrayal

About this work

This engraving is packed with swirling figures in a chaotic scene. At the center, a bearded man in a robe is surrounded by a crowd—some holding spears, others playing instruments or clutching objects. The background shows small buildings and a cross, while the people’s faces are expressive, some looking up, others down. The lines are sharp and layered, creating dark and light areas. The artist used tiny parallel lines (cross-hatching) to build up shadows and texture, making the scene feel dense. The mix of action and stillness suggests a story, but the exact event isn’t clear—just the drama of the moment. Next, look up cross-hatching to see how artists create depth with lines.