Christ's expulsion of the money changers who were desecrating the temple in Jerusalem was a favorite theme in Counter-Reformation art. To Catholics, it symbolized purification of the church through internal reforms and the expulsion of Protestant heretics.
El Greco spent the early years of his career in Italy, where he was profoundly influenced by Venetian Mannerism. In this composition (painted in Rome), the jarring lines and harsh colors, confused space, and illogical lighting are Mannerist traits that contribute to the atmosphere of anger and disruption. In 1577 El Greco settled permanently in Spain. A native of Crete, he became known as "El Greco" (the Greek), but here his full signature appears in Greek letters on the step below Christ.
In the lower right corner, El Greco portrayed the four artists he regarded as the giants of the Renaissance: Michelangelo, Giulio Clovio, the aged Titian, and probably Raphael.
Acquired in 1924 24.1
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<P>Christ's expulsion of the money changers who were desecrating the temple in Jerusalem was a favorite theme in Counter-Reformation art. To Catholics, it symbolized purification of the church through internal reforms and the expulsion of Protestant heretics.</P><P>El Greco spent the early years of his career in Italy, where he was profoundly influenced by Venetian Mannerism. In this composition (painted in Rome), the jarring lines and harsh colors, confused space, and illogical lighting are Mannerist traits that contribute to the atmosphere of anger and disruption. In 1577 El Greco settled permanently in Spain. A native of Crete, he became known as "El Greco" (the Greek), but here his full signature appears in Greek letters on the step below Christ.</P><P>In the lower right corner, El Greco portrayed the four artists he regarded as the giants of the Renaissance: Michelangelo, Giulio Clovio, the aged Titian, and probably Raphael.</P><P>Acquired in 1924 24.1</P>
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