PIETER COECKE VAN AELST Alost 1502 - Brussels 1550 The Arrest of Christ. H. 1525 Oil on panel size 49 x 39.5 cm Origin: - Sotheby's London, Old Master Paintings, June 4, 1990, lot 26. - Private collection, Madrid. Pieter Coecke van Aelst is considered one of the great Mannerist painters of the so-called Antwerp school. His restless spirit led him to travel to various places in Europe such as Italy, Constantinople and Brussels where he was appointed court painter to Emperor Charles V. His deep knowledge of other genres of art such as architecture, sculpture or engraving are reflected in many Of his works. The present work represents the moment of the Arrest of Christ when a group of soldiers sent by the priests and Pharisees consummate the betrayal of Judas. At the far left of the composition, Simón Pedro raises the sword with which he will cut Malco's ear. The calm figure of Jesus contrasts with the dawning executioners that surround him. This work can be related to a cycle of paintings dedicated to the life of Christ, now scattered, among which is Jesus on the way to Emmaus (private collection) and the Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem from the Bonnefanten in Maastricht.