In the Garden of Olives, as death approaches, Jesus moves away from the apostles to pray. Guercino shows Him kneeling, His eyes filled with tears are turned upwards to the sky and a kind angel nearby tries to comfort him. His hands crossed over his chest hold a chalice, a symbol of faith but also sacrifice, thereby portraying the Gospel story according to Luke when Jesus turns to the Father saying: "If it be Thy will, take this cup from me"
The painting was produced in 1627 for the church of the convent of Benedictine nuns of Santa Margherita in Bologna, which no longer exists.

The tangible corporeality and the powerful arrangement of light and shadow contribute to the drama and pathos of the scene, a stunning example of what Carlo Cesare Malvasia defined "Guercino's powerful, proud manner."