In a series of earlier posts on the works of Pascual Perez, a noted baroque painter of the Pueblan School also known as El Mixtequito, we looked at a painting of the Temptations of Christ in the collection of the cathedral of St. Francis in Santa Fe New Mexico, currently on display in the Conquistador chapel there.
In this post we feature another canvas by the artist held in the same location, possibly one in a cycle on the Passion, titled The Taking of Christ, a popular theme in colonial art.
While the graphic source for this work is unclear there are some interesting features: some customary attributes of the scene are missing. While Peter is shown raising his sword to sever Malchus' ear Christ is not shown replacing it. Also Judas, often shown betraying Christ with kiss, with or without his pieces of silver, is not in the picture.
text ©2025 Richard D. Perry
photograph courtesy of Patrick Finlay
