Christ on the Mount of Olives 1548

This drawing, *Christ on the Mount of Olives*, was made by Maarten van Heemskerck. Van Heemskerck was a Dutch Renaissance painter, mainly of portraits and religious works. Here we see a depiction of the biblical scene where Christ prays in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before his crucifixion. He is anguished and alone as he anticipates his impending suffering. Meanwhile, his disciples sleep nearby, oblivious to his torment. This image invites contemplation on themes of isolation, faith, and human frailty. The sleeping disciples perhaps mirror our own failures to fully grasp the burdens others carry. Van Heemskerck draws our attention to the emotional core of the story: Christ's profound sense of abandonment and his struggle to reconcile his will with divine purpose. The drawing reflects a deep humanity, inviting viewers to consider their own capacity for empathy, belief, and resilience in the face of adversity.