Original artwork description:

Caravaggio's dramatic painting The Taking of Christ depicts the events of the night of Holy Thursday. Judas has identified Christ with a kiss, and the temple guards move to make their arrest as another disciple flees the scene.

The image would have encouraged viewers to follow Christ's example, to place forgiveness before revenge, and to engage in spiritual rather than physical combat. Caravaggio presents the scene as if it were a frozen moment, to which the over-crowded composition and violent gestures contribute dramatic impact.

On Boy Bitten by a Lizard we see Caravaggio himself dressed as an effeminate Bacchus who has reached down to pluck a cherry only to have his middle finger bitten by a lizard. It is a sarky Italian lament on the brevity of sensual pleasures. The lizard, representing old age also symbolizes the fact that one doesn't stay young forever and that their will be an end eventually.

Materials used:

Acrylic on masonite

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