Christus verdrijft de handelaren en geldwisselaars uit de tempel Possibly 1630 - 1702

This print, "Christ Driving the Merchants from the Temple," was created by an anonymous artist, using engraving. The linear quality achieved by this technique gives the image its dramatic tension. The scene is filled with people scrambling, money spilling, and animals fleeing. The artist meticulously rendered the details of labor and commerce, capturing the social dynamics of the marketplace. Look closely, and you will notice that the engraver invested considerable skill into depicting various objects. It’s clear that the artist understood the significance of materials in conveying meaning. The engraver transformed the metal plate with incredible precision and labor, capturing a narrative deeply rooted in social context and the struggle against commodification. By focusing on the materiality and the labor-intensive process of engraving, we gain insight into its cultural and social significance. It challenges traditional notions of fine art, and invites us to consider the value and meaning embedded within the creative process.