"The Betrayal of Christ (The Kiss of Judas)"

The emotional gravitas of this scene appears to hinge upon a psychologically charged moment between two people. According to the Gospels, Judas identified Christ to the soldiers by means of a kiss. The two figures are shown in profile; while Judas looks directly up into the eyes of Christ, Christ reciprocates Judas’s stare with an unflinching look that shows neither indifference nor revulsion but humility—even compassion—for his betrayer. By depicting Christ this way, Giotto ensures that he remains a steadfast symbol of moral certitude amid the clamor of accusation, deceit, and betrayal.