“Christ before Caiaphas” is a work by Albrecht Dürer, completed in 1504. The artwork is executed in pen and paper and forms part of the Northern Renaissance movement. As a religious painting, it is included in “The Green Passion” series and can be found at the Albertina Museum in Vienna, Austria.
In the artwork, Dürer portrays the biblical scene of Christ being presented before Caiaphas, the high priest. The composition is intricately detailed, showcasing Dürer’s skill in pen work. A sense of dramatic tension is evident as Christ stands in the center, seemingly calm amidst the chaos around him. Soldiers in armor surround Christ, with one gesturing aggressively towards him. Caiaphas is seated to the right, attired in elaborate robes and a hat, with his hand raised as if in mid-speech or judgment. The use of light and shadow imbues the scene with a palpable intensity, highlighting the emotional gravity of the moment. Architectural elements, such as the column and arches, provide depth to the scene, while the small window in the background opens to a sky, contrastingly serene to the confrontation in the foreground. Dürer’s mastery in conveying narrative through his art is fully evidenced here, with each figure playing a distinct role in the unfolding drama.
