Object Image

The Worship of the Golden Calf

This complex scene depicts a series of events as told in Exodus 32, with several vignettes carrying the main narrative from the middle into the background. In the center middle ground, the Israelites watch as the high priest Aaron collects golden ornaments for the making of an idol in the form of a golden calf, which he is shown casting in the far background. In the left background, the completed calf is displayed upon an altar, surrounded by worshippers; in the center right background are scenes of feasting and merrymaking. In the far upper right, a fiery light bathes the lower body of Moses on Mount Sinai as he receives the Ten Commandments. (The upper part of the canvas was cut at some point...
c. 1594
Oil on canvas
158.8 x 272.2cm
1939.1.180
Image and text © National Gallery of Art, 2020

Where you'll find this

National Gallery of Art
Permanent collection