Artwork

King Jeroboam Making Sacrifice to the Golden Calf (Jeroboam's Sin)

King Jeroboam Making Sacrifice to the Golden Calf (Jeroboam's Sin) is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Gerard de Lairesse. It dates from 1692 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

King Jeroboam Making Sacrifice to the Golden Calf (Jeroboam’s Sin) is a 1692 oil painting by Gerard de Lairesse, depicting a biblical scene from the Old Testament. The work exemplifies the religious genre tradition of the Dutch Golden Age.

Subject & Meaning

The painting illustrates a moment from the biblical account of King Jeroboam, who, after establishing his kingdom, introduced idolatrous worship, here symbolized by the sacrifice to a golden calf. The scene conveys the turmoil and mixed reactions of the crowd to this act of defiance against divine authority.

Technique & Style

De Lairesse employs chiaroscuro, juxtaposing deep shadows with targeted bright spots to accentuate key elements, such as the ritual object held by the king and the expressive reactions of the crowd. This technique, combined with classical influences, creates a dramatic and emotionally charged atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created in 1692, the painting reflects de Lairesse’s scholarly background, influenced by Cesare Ripa’s writings and the works of French classicists like Charles le Brun. De Lairesse later published art treatises, further solidifying his theoretical contributions to the field.

Context

The work is situated within the Dutch Golden Age’s religious painting tradition, characterized by the depiction of biblical themes with moral and cautionary intentions. De Lairesse’s classical training and theoretical inclinations distinguish his approach within this context.

Legacy

While specific details on the painting’s direct impact are not provided, it contributes to the broader legacy of Dutch Golden Age religious art and showcases de Lairesse’s influence as both a practitioner and theorist of his time.