Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, The Taking of Christ, c. 1602. This extraordinary painting was created by the Italian Baroque master Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio for the Roman Marquis Ciriaco Mattei in 1602. It offers a new visual approach to the biblical story of Jesus' arrest, breaking with the past and presenting a fresh perspective on this significant event.
Size and Media
The Taking of Christ measures 133.5 cm × 169.5 cm (52.6 in × 66.7 in) and is painted using oil on canvas, allowing for rich colors and intricate details that bring the scene to life.
Date and Location
Created at the height of Caravaggio's fame in 1602, The Taking of Christ can be found today at the National Gallery of Ireland, where it is on loan from the Society of Jesus, Leeson Street, Dublin.
Notable Features
The painting features seven figures, including John, Jesus, Judas, three soldiers, and a man holding a lantern in the background. The central group, composed of Jesus, Judas, and the soldier with an outstretched hand, resembles a 1509 woodcut by Albrecht Dürer.
Interesting Fact: By the late 18th century, the painting was thought to have disappeared, and its whereabouts remained unknown for about 200 years. In 1990, Caravaggio's lost masterpiece was recognized in the residence of the Society of Jesus in Dublin.
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