Christ Driving the Merchants from the Temple, from The Passion of Christ, plate 3

Art Historical Context

This engraving by Grégoire Huret, created in 1664 as the third plate in his series *The Passion of Christ*, captures the dramatic biblical moment when Jesus expels merchants and money changers from the Temple. The scene includes men, animals, and figures in dynamic poses, emphasizing the intensity of Christ’s actions as described in the Gospels. Produced as a print measuring approximately 19½ by 14 inches, it reflects the era’s interest in religious narratives that could reach wide audiences through reproducible media. Engravings like this one played a vital role in 17th-century Europe, allowing intricate compositions to be shared beyond the walls of churches or private collections. Huret’s work, now held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Department of Drawings and Prints, exemplifies how printmakers translated powerful stories of faith into accessible art forms. The detailed line work highlights both the human drama and symbolic elements, such as the presence of animals and merchants, inviting viewers to reflect on themes of purity and devotion. Acquired through the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund in 1953, the piece remains a compelling example of how prints preserved and disseminated key moments from Christian tradition for generations of museum visitors.

About the Artist

Grégoire Huret · 1606–1670

French draftsman and printmaker. Comment on works: Engraver & draftsman