Giotto is known for being the earliest artist to paint more realistic figures rather than the stylized artwork of the medieval and Byzantine eras. He is considered the most important Italian painter of the 14th century, whose works point to the innovations of the Renaissance style that developed a century later.
The Arrest of Christ (Kiss of Judas) depicts a scene described in all four Gospels, each with their own unique style and perspective. Common to all is the violence that "one of those who stood by" resorted to when he drew his sword and sliced off the ear of the high priest (or his servant?).
As we shall read, it's sad how easily the sin of the old man can so easily overtake the righteousness of the new man.
"And immediately, while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. Now His betrayer had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him and lead Him away safely.”
As soon as he had come, immediately he went up to Him and said to Him, “Rabbi, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
Then they laid their hands on Him and took Him. And one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.”
Then they (His disciples) all forsook Him and fled. - John: 43-50
Afterwards, Peter would be the one to deny Christ three times before the cock crowed.
(This is a faithful photographic reproduction of a two-dimensional, public domain work of art.)
