The artwork “Christ on the Mount of Olives” is a religious painting by Albrecht Durer, dated to 1518. It belongs to the Northern Renaissance art movement and is currently housed in the Louvre in Paris, France.
The drawing depicts a somber moment from the Christian narrative where Christ is praying on the Mount of Olives before his betrayal and arrest. Christ is portrayed kneeling in fervent prayer, facing left, with hands clasped and a look of solemn reflection on his face. Behind him, the heavy and swirling lines in the sky indicate the emotional turmoil of the scene. To the right, slumped in various postures of sleep, are the disciples Peter, James, and John, oblivious to Christ’s internal struggle. Dürer’s mastery of line is evident in conveying texture, depth, and emotion in this scene. The branches of the olive tree above Christ stretch dramatically, emphasizing both his isolation and connection to the divine. The detail and expression in this work showcase the artist’s renowned skill. This black and white drawing is a visually and emotionally engaging visual narrative of this biblical episode.
