Artwork

Le Départ du Christ avec ses disciples pour le jardin de Gethsémani

Le Départ du Christ avec ses disciples pour le jardin de Gethsémani is an oil painting by the Realist artist Nikolai Ge. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The work functions as a religious tableau that invites contemplation of the spiritual struggle inherent in Christ's acceptance of his fate.

Nikolai Ge portrays Christ and his disciples at the moment of departure toward the Garden of Gethsemane, a scene drawn from the New Testament narrative of the Last Supper and subsequent prayer before the Passion. The composition emphasizes the emotional tension among the figures, with Christ illuminated against a night sky that includes the moon, underscoring themes of sacrifice and impending betrayal. The work functions as a religious tableau that invites contemplation of the spiritual struggle inherent in Christ's acceptance of his fate.

The painting is housed in the Tretyakov Gallery, where it has been part of exhibitions exploring the evolution of Russian religious art in the late nineteenth century.

History & Provenance

Created in 1888, the oil-on-canvas painting Le Départ du Christ avec ses disciples pour le jardin de Gethsémani was executed by Russian artist Nikolai Ge. The work measures 65.3 cm in height and 85 cm in width. It currently resides in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery, where it is identified as a religious artwork depicting Jesus Christ, his disciples, and a night scene featuring the moon.

The painting's creation date is firmly established as 1888, and it has been included in exhibitions such as The Moon: From real travel to imaginary journeys.

Overview

Completed in 1894, Le Départ du Christ avec ses disciples pour le jardin de Gethsémani is an oil on canvas by Russian painter Nikolai Ge. The work presents a nocturnal departure of Jesus and his followers toward the Garden of Gethsemane, set against a dimly lit, ruinous interior where a faint moonlight filters through a small opening.

Technique & Style

Rendered in a realist manner, Ge employs strong chiaroscuro to model the figures against the shadowy backdrop. The interplay of muted tones and the limited light source accentuates the texture of the crumbling stone, the worn fabrics, and the uneven floor, creating a palpable sense of atmosphere and depth.

The Three Marys at the Tomb, Wilhelm Kotarbiński

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Artist & collection

Artist

Nikolai Ge

Nikolai Nikolaevich Ge (Russian: Николай Николаевич Ге; 27 February 1831 – 13 June 1894) was a Russian painter who was influential in the development of Russian symbolism. He was famous for his works on historical and religious subjects.