Christ on the Mount of Olives c. 1450 - 1460

"Christ on the Mount of Olives," an anonymous work from the 15th century, is a depiction of the biblical scene where Christ prays in the garden of Gethsemane before his crucifixion. The central figure of Christ is in a kneeling position, his hands raised in prayer, with two of his disciples asleep in the background. Above him, a winged angel descends from the sky, holding a cross. The use of vibrant colors and flat planes of detail are characteristic of the Gothic style that was prevalent in the art of the period. This scene of Christ’s anguish in anticipation of his ultimate sacrifice was a popular subject in art, and this work exemplifies the reverence with which it was treated.