Christ Driving the Money-Changers from the Temple
Classification
figures
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Leo Wallerstein
Accession Number
1950-5-1
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
In the heart of Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn's early career, *Christ Driving the Money-Ch from the Temple* (5) captures a pivotal biblical moment from the Gospel of. The Dutch master's dynamic composition depicts Jesus overturning the tables of merchants in the sacred space of the Jerusalem Temple, a dramatic act of righteous fury against corruption and commercialization of faith. Created when Rembrandt was just 29, this work exemplifies his emerging Baroque style, renowned for its intense emotional depth and masterful interplay of light and shadow—chiaroscuro—that draws viewers into the chaos ...