The painting depicts a scene from the canonical gospels concerning the Passion of Jesus, specifically Jesus's questioning by the Jewish religious authorities.
The gospels describe how, after his initial capture, Jesus was brought before Caiaphas – a high priest in the Jewish Sanhedrin.[4] Honthorst depicts the moment that Caiaphas asks Jesus if he truly claims to be God.
The scene takes place at night. Jesus and Caiaphas are separated by a table upon which a candle provides the only light. These furnishings have been added to the Gospel scene by Honthorst and serve to divide Jesus from Caiaphas physically, just as the two were spiritually divided by Jesus's claim to be the divine in human form.
Caiaphas is seated behind the table with a book of Mosaic law and points his finger accusingly at Jesus. However, Jesus looks down on Caiaphas with serenity, seemingly unconcerned. His face and body language express the peace and self-control that, according to Gospel testimony, he maintained throughout the interrogation process.
Jesus and Caiaphas are clothed in similar colours – red and white. However, red is more prominent on Caiaphas, whereas Jesus is adorned almost completely in white. This may be an allusion to the figurative language often used in Christianity, where white often represents sinless purity and red blood or sacrifice.
In the background, behind Christ and Caiaphas, are the figures of other high priests. They await judgment and their faces are shrouded in darkness.
