Artistic Depiction of Judas Iscariot in Yellow Throughout Art History

In Western art history, Judas Iscariot is frequently portrayed wearing yellow garments, a visual convention with multiple symbolic interpretations. This artistic tradition spans centuries, appearing in works by artists such as Giotto di Bondone, Juan de Juanes, Rembrandt, and Ludovico Carracci. The practice is rooted in biblical accounts from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which describe Judas betraying Jesus Christ for thirty pieces of silver on Holy Wednesday, followed by the arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane on Thursday evening. Art historians note that during the Renaissance and medieval periods, yellow was used symbolically to represent several concepts: it served as an economical substitute for gold leaf, suggesting avarice; it distinguished non-Christians or outsiders within compositions; and its vibrant hue conveyed urgency or agitation, contrasting with calming colors like blue. The betrayal scene, often called the Kiss of Judas, shows Judas identifying Jesus to authorities with a kiss, an act depicted in numerous paintings. While all disciples abandoned Jesus during his trial, Judas is uniquely singled out in art through color symbolism, and his subsequent suicide by hanging completes his narrative arc. This visual coding helps viewers immediately identify the betrayer in complex multi-figure religious scenes, such as depictions of the Last Supper. The tradition reflects broader artistic practices of using color to convey moral and narrative meaning in Christian iconography.