Christ Cleansing the Temple

Christ Cleansing the Temple

Bernardino Mei

1655

oil

From the collection of J. Paul Getty Museum

About this work

This painting depicts a dramatic scene of Jesus Christ driving out money changers from the temple. He is shown in the center, wearing a red robe and blue cloak, holding a whip in his right hand. The people around him are in various states of panic and chaos, with some trying to flee or protect themselves. In the foreground, a woman is shown holding a bird, while a man in the background is holding a basket. The painting's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and drama, with strong contrasts between light and dark. The painting's vivid colors and dynamic composition draw the viewer's attention to the central figure of Christ, emphasizing his powerful action. If you're interested in learning more about the artist's use of light and shadow, you might want to explore the technique of chiaroscuro.

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