King Jeroboam Making Two Golden Calves c. 1579

Editor: This is Hans Collaert the Elder's "King Jeroboam Making Two Golden Calves." The scene is pretty busy, with lots of figures and activity around these golden calves. What story does it tell in a broader historical context? Curator: Well, it's a fascinating commentary on power and religious innovation. Collaert presents Jeroboam, a king who, fearing the loss of his people to Jerusalem's temple, establishes alternative worship sites with golden calves. It questions the motivations behind religious imagery: Is it about faith, or control? Editor: So, the calves are symbols of a political move rather than pure religious belief? Curator: Precisely! And consider the audience. How does showcasing this scene, in a book, influence the viewer's understanding of religious authority and the power of images? Editor: That’s interesting. It makes me think about how art can be both a tool for and a critique of the systems in place. Thanks for shedding light on that! Curator: My pleasure! It shows the power of art and the subtle nuances of the politics of imagery.