In the thirteen events of his Passion and Resurrection, Christ is depicted
in a larger scale compared to the surrounding figures, reflecting an
ideological perspective that emphasises the most important character.
He is always depicted with a purple pallium and crucified nimbus.
According to the Western iconographic tradition, Christ bears long
hair and a beard – a Roman custom in times of mourning and grief.
The panel featuring the kiss of Judas – described in the Synoptic
Gospels but not in John’s – is rendered with great narrative vividness.
Judas kisses and embraces Christ, allowing the armed guards of the
Sanhedrin to recognise and arrest him. Behind Christ, Peter grips the
hilt of his sword, willing to draw it. Beyond the first apostle, the other
disciples show their concern in terror, conveyed through a masterfully
executed interplay of glances, brought to life by the skilful use of black
and white tesserae.