The Betrayal of Christ c. 1608 - 1653

Curator: Abraham Hogenberg's "The Betrayal of Christ" captures a pivotal moment. The whole scene feels so raw. Editor: Yes, you immediately notice the sharp contrast of dark ink on paper, defining the figures with such intense emotional weight. Curator: The kiss, the sword—it's all there, the ultimate symbol of broken trust. Editor: The physical act of creating the print itself, the labor involved in the engraving, underscores the gravity of the scene. Curator: Absolutely, and consider how this image would have functioned, replicating and disseminating the story. Editor: It's a stark reminder of the material conditions that shape our understanding of faith and betrayal. Curator: Looking at this, it's hard not to feel the weight of that historical narrative, its persistence in our shared cultural memory. Editor: Precisely, and how the very act of making it, distributing it, makes that narrative even more tangible. Curator: A powerful intersection of faith and artistry. Editor: Indeed, the labor and materials speak volumes.