Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple (El Greco, Madrid) facts for kids

Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple is a famous painting from 1609 by the artist El Greco. You can find this artwork in the Church of San Ginés in Madrid, Spain. The painting shows an important event from the life of Jesus, known as the Cleansing of the Temple.

What is "Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple"?

This painting captures a dramatic moment when Jesus becomes angry and drives out merchants and money changers from the Temple. In the story, these people were using the holy place for business, which Jesus believed was wrong. He felt they were disrespecting God's house. El Greco's painting brings this powerful scene to life.

Who was El Greco?

El Greco was a Greek painter, sculptor, and architect of the Spanish Renaissance. His real name was Doménikos Theotokópoulos. He was born in Crete, which was part of the Republic of Venice at the time. He later moved to Italy and then to Spain, where he spent most of his life. El Greco is known for his unique style, which often features long, thin figures and bright, unusual colors. His art is very emotional and spiritual.

What does the painting show?

The painting shows Jesus in the center, looking determined as he drives out the merchants. Around him, there is a lot of movement and chaos. People are trying to gather their goods, and animals are scattering. El Greco uses strong colors and dramatic lighting to make the scene feel intense. This helps viewers understand the strong feelings involved in the event.

The story behind the painting

The story of Jesus cleansing the Temple is found in the Gospels of the Bible. It describes how Jesus entered the Temple in Jerusalem and found people selling animals for sacrifices and exchanging money. He believed they were turning a place of worship into a marketplace. In anger, Jesus overturned their tables and drove them out, saying, "My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a 'den of thieves.'" This event shows Jesus's passion for his faith and his desire for purity in worship.

Are there other versions of this painting?

Yes, El Greco painted this scene several times. Besides the one in Madrid, there are three other similar paintings. One is a very good copy in the National Gallery in London. This version has recently been confirmed as an authentic work by El Greco by art experts. Two other versions, and the one on loan from Madrid, are called Purification of the Temple. The painting at the National Gallery in Washington is known as Christ Cleansing the Temple. Each version shows slight differences, but they all capture the same powerful moment.

See also

In Spanish: La expulsión de los mercaderes (El Greco, Madrid) para niños

• List of works by El Greco