Arrest of Christ, Kiss of Judas, Scene of Malchus

In the Gospels three almost simultaneous episodes are described: the arrest of Christ, the betrayal of Christ through the Kiss of Judas, and the scene of Peter striking the servant of the high priest Malchus with his sword and cutting off his right ear.
On the north-eastern corner the betrayal of Christ through the Kiss of Judas is represented. Jesus turns his face backwards to the smaller figure of Judas, who is about to kiss him. Christ is surrounded by a group of soldiers and officers, priests and citizens. Eight men – some bearded, some with their head covered – are armed with oval and round shields, swords, torches or axes. The figures turned to Christ are dressed in short tunics, some with mantle and hose.
On the east side of the capital the scene of Malchus is represented. Simon Peter has seized Malchus by the hair and is cutting off his right ear. Malchus’s open hand is turned upwards – a well-known gesture of pain and suffering.
Standing before the two is Paul, who helps Peter by pressing his knee into Malchus’s flank, thus immobilizing him. This scene on the narrow side of the capital shows the apostle’s violent reaction to the capture of Christ. The composition of the whole scene testifies to the artist’s interest in representing this expressive posture or movement.

Malchus Peter Judas apostel arrest betrayal Christ passion kiss