Christ Driven from the Temple in Jerusalem

(or The Stoning of Christ)

Oil on canvas

109 x 86 cm.

Framed: 121 x 97 cm.

Anyone with a passion for ancient works of art, particularly religious painting, cannot fail to be captivated by this exquisite painting with its decidedly unusual subject matter, depicting a rare biblical episode recounted in the Gospel of John (John 10:22–39), centred on the fierce theological clash between Jesus – after he had openly proclaimed his divine nature – and a group of Jews.

Going into more detail about the episode, the scene takes place during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah), when Jesus, at Solomon’s Portico in the Temple in Jerusalem, is approached by a group of Jews to whom he proclaims: ‘I and the Father are one’, perhaps the most powerful and significant passage in the entire New Testament.

These words of Jesus are considered blasphemous by the Jews present, who, deeply enraged, pick up stones and attempt to stone him inside the Temple, forcing him to flee to safety.

Christ’s statement therefore causes such a scandal as to provoke violent reactions, foreshadowing what will be his final condemnation; we see him walking resolutely towards the exit, turning back with a serene yet firm, almost regal expression, effectively revealing his divine nature.

The detail at the bottom left is particularly beautiful: there is a female figure with her arms raised, her gaze turned upwards in a supplicating expression, her long, wavy hair flowing. This could be Mary Magdalene who, although not mentioned in this episode, will play a key role in the moments immediately preceding and following Jesus’ death, emerging as the most faithful and courageous disciple.

The work, in particular, is based on the engraving by Jan Sadeler (Brussels, 1550 – Venice, 1600, from 1582), which in turn was based on a composition by the Flemish painter Marten de Vos (Fig. 1, https://patrimonioculturale.regione.fvg.it/stampa/?s_id=537940 )**.

At the bottom of the print is a Latin caption taken from the Gospel of John: “Judaei, CHRISTVM, ob annuntiatam ipsis veritatem, in templo lapidare conantur, ipse autem de medio eorum exivit. IOAN. X.” (The Jews, because of the truth he proclaimed, sought to stone Christ in the temple, but he went out from among them).

Our painting, in keeping with the typical conventions of the Dutch Mannerist style, is characterised by muscular figures in dynamic poses and complex foreshortening, featuring a crowded composition, strong dynamism and a dramatic use of chiaroscuro.

The style of the work shows close affinities with the compositions of Maarten de Vos (Antwerp, 1532–1603), who skilfully blended traditional Flemish taste with the characteristics of the Italian Renaissance, inherited from his apprenticeship in the workshop of Frans Floris and from his travels in Italy.

The remarkable quality of the work, characterised by a soft painterly rendering and an intense colour palette, suggests that it was likely produced within the master’s workshop, or under his supervision – and possibly with his direct involvement – given the technical mastery evident in the brushwork and the use of light.

Alternatively, it is possible that the work was produced by a skilled painter from the large group of pupils and followers working in Antwerp towards the end of the sixteenth century and strongly influenced by de Vos; in which case, it was inspired specifically by the etching by Jan Sadeler I (Brussels, 1550 – Venice, 1600).

**

Christ Driven from the Temple in Jerusalem

Sadeler Jan I (1550/1600) – engraver

Vos Maerten de (1532/1603) – inventor

1582

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting comes with an attractive frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.

We arrange and organise the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, using professional, insured carriers.

Should you wish to view this or other works in person, we would be delighted to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, at Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We look forward to seeing you!

Please contact us for any further information or to arrange a visit; we’ll be happy to assist you.

Follow us on: