The Expulsion of Merchants from the Temple

This tapestry is part of the series The New Testament.


It is characterized by its virtuosic texture and its brilliant colors.

The majestic setting of the temple of Jerusalem forms the backdrop to the scene.

Christ, enveloped in a blue cloak over a pink robe, is standing on the steps brandishing a whip.

He aims to expel the merchants thronging the vestibule, who are defiling the House of the Father with their trading during the period leading up to Easter.

It is a frenzied composition by Jean-Baptiste Jouvenet, inspired by the Gospel of Saint John (Vangelo di San Giovanni).

There are people selling oxen,

others selling sheep,

and others selling doves.

There are also money changers whose stalls have been overturned.

The scene takes on dramatic and realistic tones through the gestures of the figures

and the posture of the animals.

The panel was given to Pio VII by Napoleon in 1805.