The Triubute Money: Christ at center right gesturing to man at his left with coins in his hand, other figures surrounding them; columns and drapery in the background

Art Historical Context

In the heart of this striking 16th-century print, *The Tribute Money*, Christ stands at center right, gesturing toward a figure holding coins—a pivotal moment from the of Matthew (22:15-22). Here, Jesus cleverly responds to the Pharisees' trap about paying taxes to Caesar declaring, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's." Surrounding them are a crowd of men, rendered with expressive poses amid classical columns and flowing drapery, evoking the tension of the biblical debate. Created around 1564–89 by engravers Luca Bertelli and Domenico Campagnola, both prominent in Venice's vibrant printmaking scene, the work captures Renaissance drama through intricate line work. Crafted via engraving and etching on a generous sheet (13 3/16 × 16 3/4 in.), this technique allowed for fine details: sharp, incised lines from engraving for precision, and the softer bite of acid in etching for tonal depth. Prints like this democratized art, making grand compositions accessible beyond oil paintings, and reflect the era's fascination with religious narratives amid Counter-Reformation fervor. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (Rogers Fund, 1962), *The Tribute Money* invites visitors to ponder timeless themes of faith, authority, and economy. Its survival as a trimmed plate highlights the fragility and allure of early printmaking treasures.

About the Artist

Luca Bertelli|Domenico Campagnola (Italian|Italian) · 1564 |1500 –1589 |1564

Italian, active 1564–89|Italian, Venice (?) 1500–1564 Padua