Expulsion of Heliodorus from the Temple 

Francesco Solimena painted ‘Expulsion of Heliodorus from the Temple’ using oil on canvas. Its energetic composition and vivid colours evoke an emotional response, plunging the viewer into a scene of divine intervention. Solimena masterfully uses Baroque techniques, most notably the dynamic arrangement of figures and dramatic lighting, to create a sense of movement and chaos. The interplay between light and shadow heightens the emotional intensity of the scene, drawing us into the heart of the temple where divine justice unfolds. The architectural elements within the painting serve as a stage, framing the unfolding drama. The figures, caught in various states of surprise and distress, are rendered with anatomical precision and expressive gestures. Through these formal elements, Solimena conveys a powerful message about the inviolability of sacred space and the swift consequences of sacrilege. Ultimately, Solimena uses formal qualities to construct a complex narrative, reflecting the dynamic interplay between faith, power, and justice. This timeless artwork invites us to contemplate the enduring themes of human fallibility and the enduring power of divine retribution.