Art UK has updated its cookies policy. By using this website you are agreeing to the use of cookies. To find out more read our updated Use of Cookies policy and our updated Privacy policy.

How you can use this image

This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).

Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.

The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.

Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.

Notes

Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.

Spencer’s work embraced religious and figure studies, landscapes and portraits. Born at Cookham, Berkshire, he trained at the Slade School, London from 1908–1912. 'The Betrayal' is set at the rear of the Spencer family home in Cookham; Stanley and his brother Gilbert are shown watching the event from the wall to the right. The subject is the betrayal of Christ and at the moment depicted Peter has raised his sword to cut off Malchus’s ear (centre) but Jesus (the bulky figure by the gate) restrains him. The figures in the lower left foreground are the chief priests and Pharisees mentioned in Saint John’s gospel. The betrayal, arrest and captivity of Christ is part of the Passion cycle of events leading up to, and following the crucifixion.

Ulster Museum

Belfast

Title

The Betrayal

Date

1922–1923

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 122.7 x W 137.2 cm

Accession number

BELUM.U487

Acquisition method

purchased with proceeds from the sale of the Lloyd Patterson Bequest, 1929

Work type

Painting

Tags

See a tag that’s incorrect or offensive? Challenge it and notify Art UK.

Help improve Art UK. Tag artworks and verify existing tags by joining the Tagger community.

Ulster Museum

Botanic Gardens, Belfast, County Antrim BT9 5AB Northern Ireland

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.
View venue