The Expulsion of the Money Changers - Doen Pietersz.

A hand-coloured woodcut depicting the biblical expulsion of the money changers from the temple, created by the Dutch printer Doen Pietersz.

This hand-coloured woodcut by the Dutch printer and publisher Doen Pietersz. depicts the biblical narrative of the cleansing of the temple. The composition captures the moment of confrontation, with the central figure of Christ driving out the merchants and money changers. The artist employs a direct, graphic style typical of early sixteenth-century book illustration, where bold outlines define the figures against a simplified architectural backdrop.

The use of colour, applied by hand to the printed woodblock impression, adds a layer of visual clarity to the scene. The figures are rendered with expressive gestures, conveying the urgency of the event. The overturned table and scattered coins in the foreground provide a sense of physical action, while the figures in the background observe the scene with varied expressions of alarm and confusion. The artist's monogram is visible in the lower section, a common practice for printmakers of this period to identify their work within the competitive market of Amsterdam.

As a piece of early modern printmaking, this work reflects the production methods of the era, where woodcuts were frequently used to illustrate religious texts and devotional books. The aesthetic is functional and narrative, prioritising the clear communication of the scriptural event over naturalistic detail. The print demonstrates the technical capabilities of the woodcut medium, which allowed for the mass production of imagery for a wider audience. This specific impression retains the character of its original context, showing the paper texture and the slight irregularities inherent in hand-coloured printing processes. It offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the Northern Renaissance, where religious themes were central to both public and private life.