The Adoration of the Golden Calf, Venetian Master 18th century
Venetian Master 18th century
The Adoration of the Golden Calf
DE
Back to top

Venetian Master 18th century

The Adoration of the Golden Calf, ca. 1701 – 1750


Dimensions
31.6 x 41.7 cm
Physical Description
Canvas
Inventory Number
SG 350
Acquisition
Acquired in 1906 as a bequest from Ludwig Joseph Pfungst
Status
On display, 2nd upper level, Old Masters, room 14

Texts

About the Acquisition

Ludwig Josef Pfungst, a businessman in Worms, died on 4 July 1905. A childless bachelor, he left his entire art collection and his fortune of around a million marks to the city of Frankfurt. It was his wish that the interest on the money be used to purchase works of contemporary art. This legacy was a major factor leading to the foundation of the Städtische Galerie, which has been part of the Städelsches Kunstinstitut since 1907. Still in existence today, the Pfungst Foundation now mainly supports purchases of modern art for the Städel museum’s Collection of Prints and Drawings.

Work Data

Basic Information

Title
The Adoration of the Golden Calf
Painter
Period Produced
School
Object Type
Physical Description
Canvas
Material
Technique

Property and Acquisition

Institution
Departement
Collection
Creditline
Städel Museum, Frankfurt am Main
Picture Copyright
Public Domain
Acquisition
Acquired in 1906 as a bequest from Ludwig Joseph Pfungst

Work Content

Motifs and References

Genre
Main Motif
Persons Shown
Associated Persons and Institutions
Illustrated Passage
  • Bibel, Altes Testament, Exodus 32,1-6
Associated Source
  • Bibel, Altes Testament, Exodus 28,15-30

Iconclass

Primary
  • 71E1353 adoration of the golden calf (which may be standing on a pillar, and is sometimes depicted as a dragon)
  • 71E13531 Aaron builds an altar and offers a sacrifice to the golden calf
Secondary
  • 41C762 incense-burner ~ scents, perfumes
  • 34B11 dog
  • 12B212 sacrifice ~ non-Christian religions

More to discover

Contact

Do you have any suggestions, questions or information about this work?

Last update

24.11.2023