The Betrayal of Christ, from The Small Passion 1509

Albrecht Dürer created this woodcut, “The Betrayal of Christ,” as part of his "Small Passion" series during a period of religious and social upheaval in Europe. Dürer masterfully captures the charged moment of Judas's betrayal with a kiss, an intimate act turned sinister amidst a scene of chaos. Consider how Dürer, living in a society marked by rigid social hierarchies, uses the print medium to disseminate religious narratives to a wider audience. Woodcuts democratized art, making it accessible beyond the wealthy elite, thus fostering a more personal and direct relationship with religious stories. The emotional intensity of Christ's vulnerability is palpable. The work reflects the artist’s profound faith and the emotional turbulence of a world on the brink of change.