Description
The painting "Christ Chasing the Moneylenders from the Temple" by Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione is a masterpiece of Italian Baroque art that is in the permanent collection of the Louvre Museum in Paris. This 100 x 124 cm work is an oil on canvas depicting a biblical scene in which Jesus expels the money changers and vendors from the temple in Jerusalem.
Castiglione's artistic style is highly distinctive, characterized by his drawing and engraving technique, which is reflected in painting. The composition of the work is very dynamic, with moving figures and a strong contrast between light and shadow. The coloring is vibrant and warm, with shades of gold and brown suggesting the atmosphere of the temple.
The history of the painting is interesting, as it is known to have been commissioned by Prince Filippo II Colonna in 1655, and is believed to have been one of the first Castiglione works to be acquired by a major collector. The work remained in the Colonnas' collection until it was sold at auction in the 19th century, finally being acquired by the Louvre Museum in 1930.
A little known aspect of the work is that Castiglione was not only a talented painter, but also an expert in engraving and drawing. In fact, the drawing technique he used in this work is called "punta secca," which involves scratching the surface of the metal with a needle to create fine, detailed lines. This technique can be clearly seen in the texture of the hair and clothing of the figures in the painting.
In short, "Christ Chasing the Moneylenders from the Temple" is an impressive work of art that combines Castiglione's technical mastery with dynamic composition and vibrant colouring. Its history and the lesser known aspects of the drawing technique used make this painting a fascinating work of art for art and history lovers.