The artwork “Christ driving the traders from the temple” is a religious painting by El Greco, created between 1571 and 1576 during his time in Italy. This oil painting is rendered on panel and canvas and measures 117 x 150 cm. It is a prime example of Mannerism, a movement in the Late Renaissance that favored complexity and virtuosity over the balance and harmony typical of the High Renaissance. Currently, the artwork is housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art in Minneapolis, MN, USA.
The artwork depicts a moment of dramatic intensity as Christ intervenes in the commerce taking place within the temple precincts. He is shown energetically driving the traders and money changers from the sacred space, as recounted in the New Testament. El Greco imbues the scene with dynamic movement and emotion, which are characteristic of the Mannerist style. The figures are elongated and depicted in a theatrical manner with exaggerated poses and expressions, particularly evident in the contorted bodies and anguished faces of the traders.
The composition is dense and chaotic, enhancing the narrative of upheaval and divine intervention. With swirling drapery and vivid colors, the painting captures the viewer’s attention, emphasizing the moral and spiritual gravity of the scene. The architectural elements frame the tumultuous action, while the background offers a glimpse of a more serene and orderly world outside the temple, contrasting with the disruption occurring within. Through this work, El Greco not only creates a religious statement but also showcases his distinct interpretation of human form and space, setting the tone for his later works.
