Christ Driving the Merchants from the Temple

ca. 1618–22

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

Christ clears the temple of profaning commerce, overturning a table and expulsing the offenders—sparing neither old men, women, nor children. The two figures to either side seem to fall out of the picture and into our space, creating an almost cinematic effect of an unfolding drama. With this picture Valentin finds his own, unique voice. As is so often the case, we do not know for whom this masterpiece of choreographic, dramatic action was painted.

Artwork Details

Overview

Exhibition History

Title: Christ Driving the Merchants from the Temple
Artist: Valentin de Boulogne (French, Coulommiers-en-Brie 1591–1632 Rome)
Date: ca. 1618–22
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 76 3/4 in. × 8 ft. 6 3/8 in. (195 × 260 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica, Palazzo Barberini, Rome
Curatorial Department: European Paintings