Their long glance at each other sums up the situation, with no words necessary.įew, if any, historical figures have been depicted in art as much as Jesus Christ, due to the huge role that religion has played in European society over the past 2000 years. As Judas draws him into an embrace Christ then becomes absorbed into his cloak. There really is nowhere for him to escape. The sense of this medieval lynching is underlined by the torch lights and sticks carried by the mob as they search for Jesus. His pain and suffering were redirected towards creating devotion and gratefulness within the Christian Church. Giotto depicts a scene of confrontation and emotion, placing yet more figures in the far background to give the impression of an overwhelming sense of inevitability around Christ's plight. Interestingly, Jesus had earlier predicted his death and betrayal in the New Testament but was unsure when or how exactly it would occur. The incident occurs in the Garden of Gethsemane, with Giotto depicting a nightime scene. The sky above is darkened, suggesting that they have been searching for some time to find him, underlining his importance. Others protest about the arrest and this causes quite a commotion to ensue after Judas's act of betrayal after indicating Jesus's identity to the army who surround them. Long handled torches are lifted into the air as soldiers continue their search for Christ. Giotto includes a large number of people within the fresco, though only those in the foreground are given any real detail. A struggle appears to be about to occur as other figures in the scene start to jostle and wrestle with each other. Christ's halo helps us to identify him, whilst Judas is wearing a cloak as he embraces his friend. The two key figures are pictured centrally within this painting. Where can Giotto's Arrest of Christ (Kiss of Judas) be Found Today? Description of Giotto di Bondone's Arrest of Christ.Have any Sculptures been Inspired by this Theme?.What other Artists have taken on this theme?.What other Names have been given to this Fresco?.What did Judas say to Jesus when he Betrayed him with a Kiss?.What Did a Kiss Symbolise in Biblical Times?.How is the Betrayal of Judas described in the New Testament?.What Techniques were used to Produce this Fresco?.What is the Story of the Kiss of Judas?.Description of Giotto di Bondone's Arrest of Christ.Giotto's innovations were around the style and technical prowess of his work, rather than bringing in different types of content for the first time. At this time religion was also particularly significant within western society and so it seemed entirely normal to devote one's career to depicting different scenes from the bible rather than moving into other genres which followed on afterwards, such as portraiture and landscape art. Even the most respected artists would have to accept the wishes of their patrons and therefore were guided on what work that could produce in order to continue to receive the major commissions. Giotto would take many religious themes into his work which was entirely common for the period leading into the Early Renaissance and remained the case for several centuries after. On other occasions they have been described as the police force of the Sanhedrin. Their intentions were clear, as was the likely result for their new prisoner. It was the chief priests and elders who pursued Jesus, whilst armed with swords and clubs. The facial expression of Judas is of a man who knows precisely what he is doing and gets a feeling of satisfaction for turning in his friend. Those seeking Jesus then arrest him and take Christ away for punishment. The Betrayal by Judas mentioned here occurs shortly after the Last Supper and involves him identifying Christ though an embrace (it is from this that the phrase of a Judas Kiss was born).
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