Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple 1635

Rembrandt van Rijn etched this print of Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple. See how Christ brandishes a whip, a symbol of righteous fury and divine authority, overturning tables laden with coins. This motif of purification and the purging of corruption recurs throughout art history, echoing ancient myths of heroes cleansing sacred spaces. Consider, for instance, Hercules cleaning the Augean stables – a parallel act of restoring order from chaos. The act of cleansing, deeply rooted in our collective memory, taps into a subconscious desire for purity and renewal. It serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of corruption and reform. This echoes through time, reminding us of humanity’s eternal struggle against the base instincts that would defile the sacred.