The Arrest of Christ - Chrispijn van den Broeck

A detailed 1576 ink and wash drawing by Chrispijn van den Broeck depicting the dramatic arrest of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane.

This drawing by Chrispijn van den Broeck, dated 1576, depicts the biblical scene of the betrayal and arrest of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. The composition is organised around the central encounter between Judas and Jesus, where the kiss of betrayal initiates the capture. Van den Broeck employs a dynamic arrangement of figures, including soldiers in contemporary armour and torches that illuminate the chaotic scene. The foreground features a fallen figure, likely Malchus, adding a sense of immediate physical conflict to the narrative.

The artist uses pen and brown ink combined with brown wash to create depth and volume. The application of wash suggests the flickering light of torches against the night, while the fine pen lines define the musculature and the folds of the garments. This technique reflects the Mannerist influence prevalent in the Low Countries during the late sixteenth century, where artists favoured elongated proportions and complex, active poses. The work demonstrates the artist's skill in managing a crowded scene while maintaining focus on the primary actors. The signature and date are visible at the bottom, providing a clear provenance for this preparatory study. The monochromatic palette emphasises the draughtsmanship and the dramatic interplay of light and shadow, characteristic of the period's graphic arts.