Kaisheimer Altar: Gefangennahme Christi

Hans Holbein the Elder painted this Arrest of Christ for the Kaisheim Altar in 1502. The nocturnal scene of Christ's capture in Gethsemane was one of the most dramatically demanding subjects in the Passion cycle. Holbein's handling of the night scene demonstrates his sophisticated approach to artificial light effects. The tempera medium required careful preparation on a gessoed panel and a disciplined layering technique that produced precise, durable surfaces suited to the intricate detail expected of devotional painting.

Oil on panel with dramatic nocturnal lighting and expressive figure interactions. The torchlit scene creates powerful chiaroscuro effects that heighten the emotional drama of the arrest.