The Betrayal of Christ (reverse copy in roundel) 1490 - 1525

This engraving, "The Betrayal of Christ," by Martin Schongauer, is a striking example of Northern Renaissance art, completed between 1490 and 1525. The composition depicts the dramatic moment when Judas Iscariot, identifiable by his distinctive turban, betrays Jesus to the Roman soldiers, captured in a flurry of motion. The scene is composed in a tight, circular format, further emphasizing the intensity of the encounter. Schongauer's meticulous linework and dramatic use of light and shadow create a powerful and realistic depiction of this pivotal event in Christian history.