The Adoration of the Golden Calf

The Adoration of the Golden Calf

Hans Rottenhammer

1596

chalk

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This painting, The Adoration of the Golden Calf, depicts a scene of people gathered around a large, ornate pedestal. The pedestal is adorned with a statue of a bull, and the people are shown in various poses of worship and adoration. The scene is set against a backdrop of rolling hills and trees, with a few buildings visible in the distance. The painting is rendered in a style that is characteristic of the Renaissance period, with intricate details and textures that give the scene a sense of depth and realism. The use of pen, brown ink, and brown wash creates a rich, warm tone that adds to the overall sense of drama and emotion. For more information on the artist's technique, explore the art of cross-hatching.

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