Judas Receiving the Wages of His Treason, from Old and New Testaments 1547

Augustin Hirschvogel created this engraving, Judas Receiving the Wages of His Treason, during the 16th century. It depicts a key moment from the New Testament. In this scene, Judas Iscariot is portrayed accepting silver coins for his betrayal of Jesus. The historical context of this piece reflects the religious and social tensions of Reformation-era Europe. The story of Judas has often been used to explore themes of betrayal, guilt, and redemption. The emotional weight of this scene comes from understanding Judas's internal conflict. Hirschvogel skillfully captures the moment of transaction, highlighting the tension between Judas and the group of men handing over the money. The image invites us to reflect on the complexities of human behavior. How does the pursuit of wealth and power affect individual choices?