Kus van Judas en de arrestatie van Christus 1560 - 1600

Johann Sadeler I made this engraving of the Kiss of Judas and the Arrest of Christ, sometime around 1600 in the Netherlands. Sadeler’s image presents a pivotal moment in Christian theology, but it also reflects the complex social and religious dynamics of its time. The late 16th century was a period of intense religious conflict in Europe, particularly between Catholics and Protestants. The Netherlands, where Sadeler worked, was at the center of this struggle. The image is framed within an oval that is crowded with figures, demons and weaponry. It almost feels as if the holy figures at the center of the image, Christ and Judas, are being attacked by the social forces surrounding them. This brings us to a key question, what is the public role of religious art? To better understand the social conditions that shaped its production, researchers often turn to historical documents, theological treatises, and contemporary accounts. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.