“The Betrayal of Judas,” created by Ivan Aivazovsky in 1834, is a Romanticism piece of religious painting with dimensions of 41 x 56 cm. The artwork eloquently captures the infamous biblical moment of Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus Christ with an evocative and dramatic atmosphere characteristic of the Romanticism movement.
The artwork depicts a nocturnal scene where the central figure of Judas Iscariot leads a group of armed men to arrest Jesus Christ. The setting is atmospheric, with a luminous moon shining through dense clouds, casting an ethereal glow upon the surrounding landscape. The composition is dynamic, with figures situated under tall trees on rugged terrain, emphasizing the tension and gravity of the moment. The background reveals distant architectural structures bathed in moonlight, contributing to the solemn and foreboding ambiance. Aivazovsky’s use of contrast between light and shadow highlights the central figures, drawing the viewer’s attention to the act of betrayal and the expressions of the characters involved.
