print, etching
narrative-art
baroque
etching
figuration
history-painting
realism
Dimensions: height 287 mm, width 345 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This is an engraving of "Christ driving the Merchants from the Temple", showing a chaotic scene filled with animals and distressed figures. The central figure of Christ, whip in hand, embodies divine wrath. Consider the money lenders and merchants. They are not merely vendors, but symbols of corruption, and their presence in the temple defiles the sacred space. The image resonates with ancient Greek dramas, where a god's intervention disrupts the established order, revealing hidden truths. Now, think of the whip. A tool of punishment and purification, it evokes similar instruments of justice in classical myths. But here, its use by Christ introduces a new dimension: spiritual cleansing. This action echoes through time, resurfacing in various forms of rebellion against corruption, from religious reformations to modern social justice movements. This engraving captures a moment of intense emotion, rooted in a subconscious desire for purity and justice, ensuring its continued resonance.
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