Who painted Expulsion of the money changers from the temple?

Expulsion of the money changers from the temple was painted by Lucas Cranach the Elder in 1510.

Where can I see Expulsion of the money changers from the temple?

Expulsion of the money changers from the temple is held by Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister.

What movement is Expulsion of the money changers from the temple?

Expulsion of the money changers from the temple is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Artwork

Expulsion of the money changers from the temple

Lucas Cranach the Elder , 1510

Expulsion of the money changers from the temple is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Lucas Cranach the Elder. It dates from 1510 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister.

About this work

Overview

Lucas Cranach the Elder’s oil on canvas, dated 1510, portrays the biblical episode of the temple’s cleansing. The composition is dominated by a bustling crowd within a vaulted interior, where figures scramble, push, and pull amid a palpable sense of disorder. Central to the scene, a man brandishes a whip, directing the tumult and drawing the viewer’s eye toward the moment of confrontation.

Subject & Meaning

The work visualises the New Testament narrative in which Jesus expels merchants and money changers from the holy sanctuary. By concentrating on the physical struggle and the aggressive gesture of the whip‑wielding figure, Cranach emphasizes the moral clash between sacred reverence and commercial exploitation, inviting contemplation of religious purity versus worldly profit.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, the painting exhibits Cranach’s characteristic linear precision and clear delineation of forms. The architecture—arched vaults, columns, and a lofty ceiling—provides a structured backdrop that contrasts with the kinetic crowd. Subtle modeling of light across the figures creates depth, while the palette of earthy tones underscores the scene’s somber, urgent atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created in the early sixteenth century, the canvas entered the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, where it remains on display. Its attribution to Cranach the Elder aligns with his prolific output of religious subjects during the Reformation era, reflecting both his workshop’s output and the broader devotional trends of the time.

Artist & collection

Artist

Lucas Cranach the Elder

Lucas Cranach the Elder was a German Renaissance painter and printmaker in woodcut and engraving.

Museum

Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister

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