The Betrayal of Christ — History & Facts
In The Betrayal of Christ, Jacob Jordaens captures a dramatic scene filled with tension. The painting features a multitude of figures, including Judas Iscariot, who is identified by his gesture of betrayal. The colors are rich and deep, with dark shadows contrasting against the illuminated faces of the characters.
The setting appears to be a nighttime scene, enhancing the sense of treachery and urgency. The painting is created using oil on canvas, a common medium during the Baroque period. Jordaens employs a dynamic composition, with figures arranged in a circular formation that draws the viewer's eye to the center of the action. The use of chiaroscuro highlights the emotional intensity of the moment, emphasizing the expressions on the characters' faces.
The dimensions of the artwork are approximately 150 x 200 cm, making it a large and impactful piece. Jacob Jordaens was a prominent Flemish painter known for his vibrant and expressive style. This work, painted in the 1620s, reflects the Baroque interest in dramatic narratives and emotional depth. An interesting fact about this painting is that it showcases Jordaens' ability to convey complex human emotions through facial expressions and body language.
The artwork is currently housed in the Museo del Prado in Spain, where it continues to draw the attention of art lovers.
More Artworks by Jacob Jordaens

The Temptation of the Magdalene
Jacob Jordaens

The Daughters of Cecrops Finding the Child Erichthonius
Jacob Jordaens

The Entombment
Jacob Jordaens

Moses Striking Water from the Rock
Jacob Jordaens

Portrait of Rogier Le Witer
Jacob Jordaens

Portrait of the artist
Jacob Jordaens

King Candaules of Lydia Showing his Wife to Gyges
Jacob Jordaens

A Bearded Man And a Woman With a Parrot; ‘unrequited Love’
Jacob Jordaens

An academy of a male nude seated
Jacob Jordaens

Christ Healing the Paralytic
Jacob Jordaens






