Kristi gripande (detail) 

Cimabue painted this fresco in the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, around 1290, capturing a moment fraught with betrayal. Here, Judas embraces Christ, a kiss that seals Jesus’ fate. This gesture, ostensibly one of love, becomes a chilling symbol of deceit. The halo around Christ's head, a standard symbol of holiness, starkly contrasts with the treachery unfolding. It's a clash of sacred and profane that resonates across cultures. Consider how, in earlier Roman art, the kiss might signify respect or greeting. Yet, over time, particularly within the context of the Passion, it transforms into an emblem of ultimate betrayal. This scene taps into primal fears of deception and the violation of trust. It evokes a powerful emotional response, rooted in our collective memory of such betrayals, making it a potent image. Its reappearance across centuries shows how symbols evolve, yet their underlying emotional power remains, a testament to our shared human experience.