In front of the High Priest (Grey Passion-3) 1500

Hans Holbein the Elder created this panel, "In front of the High Priest," as part of his Grey Passion series. Holbein, working in the late Gothic tradition, painted this series during a time of great social and religious upheaval. The painting invites contemplation on themes of power, justice, and divine suffering, made all the more poignant by the almost monochromatic palette. The artist strips away the vibrant colors typically associated with religious art, forcing the viewer to confront the raw emotional core of Christ's persecution. Jesus, surrounded by tormentors, is presented before the high priest. Here, Holbein captures the moment when earthly authority confronts divine innocence. The expressions and gestures of the figures underscore a narrative of betrayal and judgment. The somber tones amplify the sense of foreboding, reflecting the artist's deep engagement with the religious and social tensions of his time. Holbein’s work asks us to reflect on the human capacity for both cruelty and compassion.