Attributed to Jacopo Zucchi – Expulsion of the Merchants from the Temple Kunsthistorisches Museum

The composition presents a dramatic scene unfolding within a grand architectural setting. A central figure, clad in flowing red robes and exhibiting a dynamic posture, dominates the foreground. This individual gestures emphatically with one arm extended forward, while the other is raised as if in admonishment or forceful command. The drapery of their garments contributes significantly to the sense of movement and energy radiating from this personage.
Surrounding them is a throng of figures, rendered with varying degrees of detail and emotional expression. Some appear to be actively resisting the central figure’s actions, their faces contorted in expressions of anger or protest. Others seem bewildered or caught off guard by the unfolding events. The artist has employed a range of poses – some falling, others reaching out, still others recoiling – to convey a sense of chaos and disruption. A small child is visible near the bottom center, adding a layer of vulnerability to the scene.
Behind the immediate action, an elaborate architectural structure rises into view. It appears to be a temple or grand hall, with classical columns and arches suggesting a space of significant importance. The light source seems to originate from behind this structure, casting dramatic shadows across the figures in the foreground and highlighting the central figure’s posture.
The color palette is dominated by warm tones – reds, oranges, and browns – which contribute to the overall sense of intensity and drama. The use of chiaroscuro – the contrast between light and dark – is particularly effective in emphasizing the emotional weight of the scene and drawing attention to key figures. The brushwork appears loose and expressive, characteristic of a Baroque style.
Subtly, there is an underlying theme of power dynamics at play. The central figure’s authority is asserted through their posture and gesture, while the reactions of those around them suggest resistance or submission. The architectural backdrop implies a setting of established order being challenged by this forceful intervention. The scattered objects on the ground – baskets, coins – hint at a disruption of commerce or trade, further reinforcing the notion of an upheaval of existing structures.