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Description: | Painting depicting Exodus 32, 1-20.
In a clearing framed with feathery trees the Israelite people are worshipping a small golden calf set on top of a carved column. To the left of the column is a gilt altar on which burns a small fire. By the altar stands a bearded gentleman in flowing robes. This is Aaron, who gestures towards the calf and altar, showing them to the people. The Israelites, also dressed in flowing robes, are positioned in a ring around the column. Some to the right are holding hands and dancing, some hold up their hands in gestures of supplication, and some simply stare at the calf. Beyond the scene the forest extends away to mountains in the distance.
In the centre left foreground a woman points out the calf to her daughter, and to the right of them a man has his arm around his son as they regard the calf together. To the bottom right of the painting are various pewter-coloured flagons and jars, and a casket. A dog sits next to them, regarding the calf. In the bottom right corner a man sits with a bent knee, an elbow resting on the knee and his fingers to his chin. He seems to regard the worshippers rather than the calf.
In the shadows to the left of the picture, below vertical rock faces, are the figures of Moses and young Joshua coming down from Mount Sinai with the tablets of the law. Below them more Israelites can be seen in a dip in the ground. A face or skull of a calf is just visible, mounted on the rock face.
Technique: oil on canvas
medium: oil paint
The Adoration of the Golden Calf by Claude Gellee (called Lorrain), 1660, (1981.3). | Source: | Manchester City Galleries | Identifier: | mcag.emu.ecatalogue.8506 | Go to resource |
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