School of Brittany, The Arrest of Christ, the Kiss of Judas. Saint Peter cutting the ear of the high priest’s servant, c.1425, Stained glass window from l’église de Betton, 41x42cm, Musée de Cluny, Paris
This exquisite early stained glass illustrates the biblical event known as the Arrest of Jesus, featuring the Kiss of Judas and the Healing of Malchus. The Kiss of Judas, which signifies Jesus’ arrest, is detailed in Matthew 26:47-50 and Mark 14:43-45. The Healing of Malchus, wherein Jesus restores the ear Simon Peter had cut off, is recorded in Luke 22:50-51 and John 18:10-11.
These passages are commonly depicted in Christian art to portray the complex interplay of betrayal, violence, and mercy that characterises the arrest of Jesus. The soldiers, clad in armour and helmets, correspond with the descriptions of the group sent by the authorities to arrest Jesus, highlighting the tension and the gravity of the moment.