The Agony in the Garden

Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio or Santi)

ca. 1504 · Oil on wood · European Paintings

This panel was originally part of the base (predella) of the nearby altarpiece, one of three scenes focused on Christ’s last days. Christ prays before his arrest, while his disciples slumber around him. The small angel who proffers a chalice or cup is a visualization of Christ’s thoughts—“let this cup pass from me”—as he slowly accepts his fate. Raphael depicted the scene in a delicate landscape, with each of the sleeping followers in a carefully observed pose.

Artist

Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio or Santi)

Date

ca. 1504

Medium

Oil on wood

Department

European Paintings

Credit line

Funds from various donors, 1932