Judaskus 1585 - 1586

Curator: Well, the mood here is certainly heavy, fraught with impending doom. A quiet, dreadful calm before the storm. Editor: Indeed. What we have before us is "Judaskus," created between 1585 and 1586 by Philips Galle. It’s currently housed here at the Rijksmuseum. It’s a print made using engraving on paper with ink. Curator: And what strikes me most is the almost theatrical staging of the betrayal. Look at how Jesus stands central and serene amidst the chaos that swirls around him. The collapse of order is pretty telling. It looks so melodramatic; everyone is knocked off their feet. Editor: Absolutely. The Mannerist style is evident in the exaggerated poses and the crowded composition. Galle is clearly playing with contrasting diagonals to lead the viewer’s eye between the kiss and the collapse on the other side. Curator: The kiss is quite… sterile, wouldn't you say? Not charged at all, given its weight and importance. Whereas, to me, the chaos feels very authentic, everyone fumbling in the dark. And then this small cluster of his followers stand far behind him almost ready to run. Is it bravery? Is it loyalty? Or simply the calm resignation? Editor: One can appreciate how Galle masterfully employs chiaroscuro, particularly the contrast between the figures illuminated by torchlight and the deep shadows enveloping the scene. This adds layers of meaning. A stark contrast that not only draws attention to the key players but also adds a rich level of emotion to the telling of a familiar biblical story. Curator: Yes, Galle wants us to feel the spiritual anguish, not just see the historical event. It is a reminder of human frailty, deceit, and perhaps, the ultimate test of faith. A poignant snapshot of betrayal captured in ink and paper. Editor: A very nuanced examination from Philips Galle that combines compositional prowess with subtle but rich emotional undertones.