Judas verraadt Christus met een kus en soldaten nemen hem gevangen 1590 - 1622

This engraving, by Boëtius Adamsz. Bolswert, depicts Judas betraying Christ with a kiss as soldiers capture him. The eye is immediately drawn to the center, where the figures of Judas and Christ are tightly interwoven. A stark contrast exists between the serene, haloed figures and the chaotic mass of soldiers. Bolswert uses the density of figures and the multiplicity of lines to convey tension, with spears and limbs intersecting to create a sense of unease. This visual complexity contrasts sharply with the relatively empty space in the upper background, emphasizing the confinement and capture of Christ. The scene can be interpreted through the lens of semiotics: the kiss, traditionally a sign of affection, is here a deceptive signifier of betrayal. The prostrate figure in the lower foreground adds another layer, symbolizing the defeat and moral corruption that accompany Judas' actions. Ultimately, the engraving uses formal elements to not just tell a story but to invite reflection on themes of betrayal, power, and moral corruption. It's a visual reminder that art, even in its smallest forms, can carry significant cultural and philosophical weight.