by Tom Gurney
Tom Gurney BSc (Hons) is an art history expert with over 20 years experience
Published on June 19, 2020 / Updated on October 14, 2023
Email: tomgurney1@gmail.com / Phone: +44 7429 011000
This scene captures Jesus Christ being arrested by Temple guards of the Sanhedrin in the Garden of Gethsemane, shortly after the Last Supper where the Son of God was famously betrayed by Judas
The highs and lows of the life of Jesus Christ continue in this series of panels with this scene depicting his dramatic arrest. Christian scripture contained emotive stories that proved highly inspirational to artists during the Renaissance. The pivotal moment in Christianity marks the beginning of the end for this icon, with his crucifixion following shortly afterwards.
He was to be tried before the Sanhedrin before being handing to Pilate after receiving his death penalty. The full cycle from the Last Supper, where he was betrayed by Judas, all the way through to his subsequent Resurrection are all captured within the bronze doors, and collectively these episodes are referred to as the Passion of Christ.
The Passion of Christ was tackled in greater depth within the gospels that any other event, underlining their great significance to the religion of Christianity. It is from this moment that followers should appreciate his sacrifice as being made for the benefit of others and his selflessness should not be forgotten or undervalued.
The Taking of Christ by Caravaggio in 1602 is perhaps the most famous depiction of this scene, though there were also impressive contributions from the likes of Fra Angelico (The Capture of Christ c. 1440), Duccio, Dieric Bouts and Gerard Douffet.