1480
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Betrayal and Capture of Christ is a 1480 ink by Martin Schongauer, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a chaotic scene with a group of men surrounding a central figure. The central man, standing with arms outstretched, wears a loose robe and looks calm despite the chaos. Around him, others hold weapons—swords, clubs, and daggers—while some grab or push him. One figure on the ground clutches a small child, and the background has bare trees and swirling lines, adding to the tension. The artist used sharp lines and shading to create depth and emotion, focusing on the drama of the moment. This isn’t painted; it’s etched into metal, a method that lets for fine details and textures. Check out engraving to see how artists like this made prints before photography.
Martin Schongauer, also known as Martin Schön or Hübsch Martin by his contemporaries, was an Alsatian engraver and painter.
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