Judas' Betrayal
7:00 AM |
| Giotto di Bondone, Judas' Betrayal, 1304-06 |
'So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him.' -- John 6:67-71
Upon my first glance at this painting, I paid more attention to the bright red and yellow clothes and the corresponding characters' interaction, rather than the shadowy figure with his clawed hand gently holding Judas' shoulder. The piece has flat elements, but the depth of the painting lies in the psychological interactions as much as in the technique. The demon behind Judas almost seems to be caressing his shoulder, guiding him even though he well knows that Judas will do what he wants him to do.
The tension between Judas and the priest is palpable, and Judas' internal conflict adds to the tension between the two. Visibly, Giotto creates a harsh separation between the two priests -- who seem visibly confused, the second to the right's thumb gesturing towards Judas unceremoniously -- and Judas with his demon speaking to the priest Giotto usesthe building behind them to separate the pairs, along with a visible change in sky color cutting the scene horizontally as well. It all has a tangible weight to it, with the demon's touch pulling Judas even farther into the depths, both literally and metaphorically.
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