Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple

Domenico Theotocopoli, called El Greco

Created:
Movement:
1570
Mannerism
key Notes:
Spiritual Intensity, Dramatic Composition
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Dimensions:
49 1/4 x 36 1/4 in. (125.1 x 92.1 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Master
New game
story of the work:

We have not been able to find much information about this work, or we believe the information we sourced needed more review.

Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple by El Greco

Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple, created in 1570 by Domenico Theotocopuli, known as El Greco, is an exemplary work of the artist's early period. Executed in oil on canvas, this painting reflects El Greco's transition from the Byzantine traditions of his native Crete to the Venetian Renaissance style. The dynamic composition and dramatic use of color and light in the painting highlight El Greco's innovative approach, which would later influence the Baroque movement. The subject matter, depicting Christ expelling the merchants from the temple, is rendered with emotional intensity, a hallmark of El Greco's work. This painting is significant for its synthesis of religious fervor and artistic experimentation, marking El Greco's development as a pivotal figure in Western art. El Greco's unique style, characterized by elongated figures and expressive forms, would leave a lasting impact on the trajectory of European painting.

Description of the work:

Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple by El Greco

Created in 1570, El Greco's "Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple" is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the Mannerist style with its elongated figures and dramatic use of color and light. The artwork depicts the biblical scene of Christ expelling merchants from the temple, reflecting the artist's interest in religious themes and emotional intensity.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Harvard Art Museum

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Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple