In the darkness of the Mount of Olives, Jesus receives the kiss that consummates Judas' betrayal while Peter cuts off the ear of Malco, the High Priest's servant, with his sword, as described in the Bible story.

This work from Van Dyck's youth is directly based on Venetian models. The low viewpoint and the use of a single source of light contribute to its great dramatic intensity, which is very appropriated for the event.

This is one of the painter's most successful compositions and various versions are known, with variations only in secondary aspects. The Prado Museum's painting belonged to Rubens. When he died, it was acquired by Felipe IV, who sent it to Madrid's Alcázar Palace.