2. Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested

Alabaster Relief, the Master of Rimini or workshop, Southern Netherlands or Northern France, c.1430-40

Carved and worked alabaster. H17.9cm x W19cm

Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

Image © Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

This rectangular alabaster relief depicts the agony of Christ in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). In the foreground are the three Apostles fast asleep. Peter holds a sword, while the others are James and John. Above them Christ kneels with his hands held in prayer. On the rocky outcrop before him, you can see the lower stem of the chalice (now damaged). Behind Christ is Judas, holding a bag of silver and pointing out Christ to the soldiers following him.

Listen to a reflection by Lord Patten of Barnes, Chancellor, University of Oxford