Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple c. 1576 - 1580

Léonard Gaultier created this print of "Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple" using the engraving technique. This painstaking process involves using a tool called a burin to incise lines directly into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The very act of engraving mirrors the story it tells: a precise, laborious process used to depict the disruption of commerce. Look closely, and you'll see how the density of lines creates depth and shadow, emphasizing the chaos and energy of the scene. The linear quality of engraving lends a sense of order and control, strangely juxtaposed with the scene’s unruly subject. Engraving was a key technology for disseminating images and ideas. In this context, Gaultier's print not only illustrates a biblical story, but also participates in a wider social commentary about the role of commerce and morality. Appreciating the printmaking process allows us to see how the material and the message are inextricably linked. The artwork's meaning is embedded in the labor and the lines, challenging any separation of craft from fine art.