Gevangenneming 1596 - 1598

Zacharias Dolendo created this print, "Gevangenneming," which translates to "The Arrest," in the Netherlands during the late 16th or early 17th century. The scene depicts the betrayal and capture of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Dolendo, working during the Dutch Golden Age, was part of a culture grappling with religious and political upheaval. The print reflects the period's intense focus on biblical narratives, used not only for religious instruction but also to comment on contemporary society. Notice the way the figures are arranged, emphasizing the vulnerability of Jesus amidst a crowd of armed men. The use of light and shadow heightens the drama, drawing viewers into the emotional core of the event. To fully understand this work, one must consider the religious climate of the time, the role of printmaking in disseminating ideas, and the ways artists used biblical scenes to reflect on justice, power, and morality. Historical research into these areas can offer us a more complete understanding of the work's meaning and cultural significance.