The Garden of Gethsemane

Lucas Cranach, the Elder

1472 - 1553

The Garden of Gethsemane

c. 1518
Oil on panel 54 x 32 cm
Signed and dated lower left: The Mark of the Serpent
P.1968-1

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The painters working in Germany in the first half of the 16th century developed a style made up of dramatic compositions and strongly contrasting colors. This work, generally considered to be from Cranach's mature period, shares this expressionistic tendency. It shows Christ praying on the Mount of Olives while, in the background, a group of soldiers led by Judas is approaching to arrest him. Black clouds and sunrise glory make a gruesome contrast and seem to allude to Christ's agony.

(Source: The Digital Gallery. 1999-2006)