The Betrayal of Christ

This painting is one of Anthony van Dyck's most important early religious compositions, and reveals the young artist's expressive power and virtuosity, and the influence of Rubens and Italian painting on his work. The betrayal takes place at night and is illuminated by torchlight. Judas Iscariot, the apostle who has betrayed Christ to the priests for 30 pieces of silver, approaches him accompanied by an aggressive mob.Van Dyck has emphasised the contrast between the calm, still figure of Christ and the frenzied crowd. The gnarled tree trunk set below Judas reminds us that he has forfeited his soul.