Roman master, 17th century Christ Driving the money changers from the temple

Roman master, 17th century
Christ Driving the money changers from the temple

When Christ arrived in Jerusalem, he went into the temple and was enraged by the money changers and merchants who were active there. He made a scourge out of ropes and drove the moneychangers and merchants out of the temple (Mt 21:12; Mk 11:15; Lk 19:45; Jn 2:14). Christ is depicted in the middle ground, with the apostles recognisable behind him. Brandishing the scourge, Christ drives away the people who are fleeing to the left and right towards the viewer. In the foreground, several people have fallen to the ground; a priest on the right looks with concern at a fallen old man and woman, whose son is trying to help her up. On the floor lie overturned tables, books of the money changers and goods for the temple sacrifices. Some people are fleeing from a portal into the temple courtyard on the right. With the exception of Christ, the apostles and the priest in the foreground, all the figures are wearing period costume. The temple in Jerusalem is built like a Baroque church with a long nave and apse. The Holy of Holies can be seen in the brightly lit apse, the tablets of the 10 Commandments under a canopy and the seven-branched candelabrum in front of it. Jewish priests stand there in dismay and watch Jesus' activities. A large curtain hangs down from the upper edge of the picture. Oil on canvas , 103.5 × 112.5 cm