The Betrayal of Christ
Oil painting on canvas • Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, called Guercino
Style & Movement
Italian Baroque
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, employing dramatic chiaroscuro and rich glazing typical of the Baroque period
Creation Period
17th Century (c. 1621)
Dimensions & Format
Large-scale horizontal format, approximately 120 x 160 cm
Subject Description
The biblical narrative of the Arrest of Christ (or The Betrayal), capturing the moment of Christ being seized by soldiers while St. Peter looks on in foreground interaction, marked by emotional intensity and high-contrast lighting.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good, displaying stable paint layers and well-preserved varnish within a museum environment
Estimated Market Value
Museum quality / Inestimable; comparable works by Guercino range in the millions of dollars
Auction Estimate
$2,000,000 - $4,000,000
Provenance History
Museum collection, likely originating from an Italian noble collection or ecclesiastical commission before entering institutional stewardship
Art Historical Significance
A quintessential example of Guercino's early Emilian Baroque style, showcasing his mastery of dramatic lighting and emotional psychological tension reminiscent of Caravaggio
Notable Features
Includes a gilded Neo-Classical or period-style frame featuring an inscribed plaque identifying the artist and title at the bottom center
Condition Issues
Minor craquelure consistent with age, light surface dust, and possible historical relining typical of seventeenth-century canvases
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain strict climate control (50% RH, 20°C), UV-filtered LED museum lighting, and periodic surface dusting by a professional conservator