A harmonious painting by the Spanish painter Juan de Juanes. Strangely enough the faces of most disciples seem to radiate mostly adoration – and this while they have just heard that their master is about to be betrayed.
In the front right, the traitor Judas, for better recognition he has been equipped with a money pouch. He is dressed in yellow, the color of envy. He is also the only figure without halo.
In the foreground a bowl for washing feet before supper.
This work is an oil on panel painting. It measures 116 X 191 cm and is housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid.
This work is linked to John 13:21 - After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.”
The panel was made for the altar of the church of San Esteban in Valencia, together with a series of paintings on the life of Saint Stephen. It was sided by panels showing The agony in the garden and The Crowning with Thorns.