The artwork titled “Arrest of Christ” is a sketch by Albrecht Durer, a renowned artist of the Northern Renaissance. As part of the art movement that emphasized detailed observation and a greater interest in the natural world, Durer created this piece as a study, which falls within the genre of sketches and studies. This particular artwork is from a series known as “The Green Passion.”
In “Arrest of Christ,” we observe a dynamic scene captured with energetic lines that convey motion and tension. There are multiple figures involved, with some characters depicted in the midst of an action, likely the moment of Christ’s arrest, although this moment isn’t directly visible. The figures are dressed in period clothing, including cloaks and hats, with some brandishing weapons suggesting hostility and conflict. The focus is on the figures themselves and their reactions during the turmoil of the scene. Durer’s expert use of hatching and line weight imparts a sense of depth and form to the drawing, highlighting his skill in rendering such a complex narrative moment through a swift and lively sketch.
