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.