The Betrayal and Capture of Christ

Art Historical Context

In the dimly lit Garden of Gethsemane, Israhel van Meckenem the dramatic moment of Christ's betrayal in *The Betrayal and Capture of*, a poignant engraving from the late 15th century. Northern Renaissance master, active in Germany, depicts Jesus surrounded by soldiers and men, with Judas's infamous kiss sealing his fate—a scene drawn from the Gospels that has inspired countless artists. Van Meckenem's work reflects the era's intense religious devotion, where such images served as aids for meditation on Christ's Passion. As an engraving, measuring just 8 5/16 × 5 15/16 inches, the print showcases van Meckenem's mastery of fine lines and intricate cross-hatching to evoke texture, shadow, and emotion on a small scale. Engravings like this were revolutionary, allowing affordable reproduction and widespread distribution of sacred art beyond elite patrons. Produced during the transition from Gothic to Renaissance styles, it highlights the German printmaking boom, rivaling paintings in devotional impact. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, this piece—acquired via the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund in 1947—offers visitors a window into how everyday believers encountered biblical narratives, blending artistry with spiritual urgency.

About the Artist

Israhel van Meckenem · 1435–1503

Israhel van Meckenem (c. 1445–1503), also known as Israhel van Meckenem the Younger, was a pioneering German engraver and goldsmith based in Bocholt, near the Dutch border, renowned as the most prolific printmaker of the fifteenth century. Born into a family possibly of Dutch origin, he was the son of Israhel van Meckenem the Elder, a goldsmith who settled in Bocholt in 1457. He trained initially ...