Spanish school of the XVI century.

Spanish school of the XVI century.
"Prayer on the Mount of Olives".
Oil on panel.
Measurements: 38 x 72 cm; 45 x 50 cm (frame).
This devotional painting, of Renaissance period and style, represents Jesus in the Garden of Olives at the moment when the angel comforts him, while his disciples Peter, John and James sleep beside him. The Gospels narrate that, anguished by a strange sadness, Jesus went to pray to the Mount of Olives, where the apostles followed him. Once there, Jesus withdraws to one side to pray, the moment of the crucifixion becoming present to him. Thus, this episode begins the bloody Passion in the soul of Christ. The apostles fall into a deep sleep, and an angel appears to Jesus to comfort him. In fact, this episode alludes to the greatest temptation of Jesus' life, the last of all: knowing his destiny, he can either flee from his enemies or continue to fulfill his divine mission, risking his life. The scene is worked at different levels, showing us in the background the soldiers following Judas, who is going to betray Jesus. In the background, superimposed atmospheres stain the landscape with iridescent lights.