The Kiss of Judas Cover Image

Pocałunek Judasza
The Kiss of Judas

Author(s): Jan Kordys
Subject(s): Anthropology
Published by: Instytut Badań Literackich Polskiej Akademii Nauk
Keywords: Semiotics; Giotto di Bondone; Italian Renaissance art; Narration

Summary/Abstract: Described are the general composition principles of frescos by Giotto di Bondone (1267–1337) at the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, and the novelty of narrative techniques applied therein. The Kiss of Judas is analysed and compared against the Gospel-based ‘give-up’ scene as well as the categories of ‘faithfulness’ and ‘trustfulness’ as interpreted in the early Christianity. Another topic is the anthropological dimension of the sacrifice of Christ. The essay’s conclusive section characterises the Florentine Renaissance as one of the ‘axial ages’ (quoting Karl Jaspers’ notion) in the history of mankind.

  • Issue Year: 2009
  • Issue No: 1-2
  • Page Range: 57-76
  • Page Count: 19
  • Language: Polish