The Expulsion of the Money-changers from the Temple

Etching, 1652, lettered in lower margin, at left: "Iac. Iordaens inuentor. 1652". Undescribed early state.

Christ driving out the money changers. Christ rushes into the Temple at right holding aloft a rope and overturning a table, a man is knocked from his chair at centre, the interior is crowded with people and animals, two men standing in a niche at right; undescribed early state.

Jordaens illustrated this subject repeatedly. It most closely resembles a painting in the Musée du Louvre, Paris, dateable to c.1645-50, though the print's composition is simpler, and diverges from the canvas in several respects.

There are seven etchings attributed to Jacob Jordaens (Hollstein 1-3, 5-7 and 9), also described in D'Hulst catalogue (pp.132-136). Although these are all lettered with Jordaens as the designer ('inventor'), they are traditionally considered as also made by him.

Jacob Jordaens (1593 – 1678) was a painter, etcher and tapestry designer in Antwerp. Worked in Rubens studio between 1637 and 1638 and became the most important painter in the Southern Netherlands after Rubens' death in 1640. Also employed by King Charles I (The Story of Cupid and Psyche, around 1640) and Queen Christina of Sweden (1648); and he made several paintings for the Town Hall in Amsterdam in 1661.

A fine impression, printed on contemporary laid paper, trimmed to the platemark, perfect repairs at the lower corners, otherwise good condition. Rare.

Bibliografia

Hollstein, Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts c.1450-1700, n. 2; D’'Hulst, Jacob Jordaens (1593-1678). I: Paintings and Tapestries; II: Drawings and Prints, B94.