The Adoration of the Golden Calf 1595 - 1596

"The Adoration of the Golden Calf" is a pen and brown ink drawing created by German artist Hans Rottenhammer in 1595-1596. The drawing depicts a scene from the Old Testament story of the Israelites worshipping a golden calf. In the center of the composition, a group of figures are gathered around a large altar with a golden calf at its apex. The artist depicts a multitude of figures, including a seated figure in a sky, likely representing God, who is depicted in the upper portion of the scene and is witnessing the idolatry of the Israelites. This intricate and detailed drawing demonstrates Rottenhammer's mastery of the figure, composition, and the use of light and shadow. The artist skillfully utilizes a range of lines and shading to create a sense of depth and texture.