Expulsion of the Merchants from the Temple 1568

Jacopo Bassano created this painting, "Expulsion of the Merchants from the Temple," with oil on canvas. The scene presents an idea of moral and social critique as it shows Christ driving out merchants, money-changers, and animals from a sacred space. This image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations in 16th-century Italy. During this time, the Catholic Church was a powerful institution that exerted influence over various aspects of life, including commerce and finance. Bassano seems to comment on the entanglement of religious institutions and economic activities in his time. The painting perhaps alludes to the conservative moral critiques present within the religious institution of the time. To understand this painting, we must consider the cultural context and institutional history of the time. Researching historical and religious texts, as well as records from the time, can help us better understand Bassano's intent and the painting's meaning within its original social context.