An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
The Betrayal of Christc. 1618–1620
Artist: Anthony van Dyck
Flemish, 1599–1641
Kiss of Judas: accompanied by soldiers with torches and lanterns, he kisses Christ. The scene is described in the Bible: Matthew 26:51, Mark 14:47, Luke 22:47, John 18:3-10 (Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's slave (Malchus) and cut off his right ear." John 18:10)
55 7/8 x 44 1/2 in. (141.92 x 113.03 cm) (canvas)
70 x 58 x 5 in. (177.8 x 147.32 x 12.7 cm) (outer frame)
Oil on canvas
Painting
Netherlands
17th century
The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fund, and the John R. Van Derlip Fund
In a moment of serene contemplation, we find ourselves drawn into a canvas that whispers of both betrayal and the divine. This artwork, painted by the illustrious Anthony van Dyck, feels familiar yet strikingly different from the formal portraits that had defined his early career. It was a fleeting moment in the twilight of his artistic journey, shortly before he set sail for the rich, vibrant landscapes of Italy.
As the scene unfolds, we are transported to the Garden of Gethsemane, a sacred space wrapped in the soft embrace of night. The air is thick with tension, a tangible reminder of the heavy choices that loom over the future. Here, among the ancient olive trees, the atmosphere is hushed, echoing the weight of the impending betrayal.
Judas, once a trusted disciple, steps into the frame, leading a group of soldiers and religious officers. They come armed with lanterns, their flickering flames casting long shadows that dance across the ground, illuminating the darkened path of betrayal. The lanterns sway in the night air like the uncertainty in their hearts.
As we watch, it is the moment of the kiss that comes to life. Judas leans in to identify Jesus, his close friend, with a gesture that should symbolize love—a kiss—but instead, it becomes a bitter emblem of treachery. This clandestine act freezes time, capturing both the urgency of the present and the profound sadness of lost companionship.
The painting draws us into a reflection on the very nature of loyalty and the choices that shape our destinies. Van Dyck, in his looser style, invites us to breathe in the moment, to feel the quiet turmoil, and to witness the fragile threads of human connection unfurl in the face of darkness. It’s not just a story of betrayal; it’s a testament to the complexities of love and the weight of choices that resonate long after the moment has passed.
About the artist
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