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How does Giotto portray the meeting between Jesus and Judas in The Betrayal of Christ?
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Giotto
Lamentation, fresco by Giotto, 1303–05; in the Arena Chapel, Padua, Italy.
In The Betrayal of Christ, part of his fresco cycle in the Arena Chapel, Giotto places singular emphasis on the confrontation between Jesus and Judas.1
The two figures are depicted in profile, locked in a psychologically charged moment as Judas identifies Christ with a kiss. Giotto portrays Judas looking directly into the eyes of Christ, who returns the gaze with an unflinching stare. Rather than showing indifference or revulsion, Christ’s expression is one of humility and compassion for his betrayer. Through this portrayal, Giotto establishes Christ as a steadfast symbol of moral certitude, standing firm amidst the surrounding atmosphere of deceit and accusation.1