Landschap met aanbidding van het gouden kalf Possibly 1776 - 1779

This sepia drawing by Richard Earlom depicts the biblical scene of the worship of the Golden Calf, a powerful symbol of idolatry and the abandonment of divine principles. Note how Earlom captures the fervor of the Israelites dancing and offering sacrifices to the idol. This motif of collective ecstasy and transgression echoes through art history, from ancient fertility rituals to more contemporary depictions of mass hysteria. It is tied to our collective memory of the dangers of unchecked collective passions. Consider how the Golden Calf, initially a symbol of prosperity and tangible power, becomes a stark reminder of humanity's susceptibility to misplaced faith. It’s an instance of the classical "pathos formula," revealing a moment of intense emotional and psychological vulnerability. The image serves as a potent reminder of how symbols persist, evolve, and reflect our deepest anxieties and desires across time.