Christ Before Caiaphas looks to St. Peter, who Denies Him, from The Passion of Christ, plate 9

Art Historical Context

This engraving by Grégoire Huret, created in 1664, captures a poignant moment from the Passion of Christ. Plate 9 from the series shows Jesus standing before the high priest Caiaphas while the apostle Peter, visible in the background, denies knowing his teacher three times, fulfilling Christ’s earlier prediction. The composition draws viewers into the emotional tension of the scene, emphasizing themes of betrayal, faith, and redemption central to Christian narrative. As an engraving, this work reflects the important role of printmaking in 17th-century Europe. The medium allowed religious imagery to reach wide audiences beyond church walls, making biblical stories accessible for private devotion and education. Huret’s detailed line work and dramatic contrasts would have helped convey the story’s intensity even in black-and-white reproduction. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art through the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund in 1953, the print remains a fine example of how artists used the Passion cycle to explore human frailty alongside divine compassion. Its generous sheet size further suggests it was intended for display or careful study rather than as a small devotional card.

About the Artist

Grégoire Huret · 1606–1670

French draftsman and printmaker. Comment on works: Engraver & draftsman