Judaskus en gevangenneming van Christus 1670 - 1682

Melchior Küsel etched this print of the capture of Christ in the 17th century. See how Judas leans in to kiss Jesus, a deceptive gesture that seals his fate. This kiss, a symbol of betrayal, echoes through art history. Think of the Roman general Joab, who kissed his rival Amasa before murdering him. Notice too how this moment unfolds under the cold light of the moon, a timeless symbol of change and mystery. It casts a dramatic light on the mob closing in on Jesus. Consider how the armed men mirror the ancient depictions of soldiers seizing prisoners of war in Mesopotamian art. There, as here, we see the raw power of the victor over the vanquished. This symbol of the kiss is not static; it is constantly re-evaluated and adapted, demonstrating how deep-seated cultural memories continue to shape and find their expression.