CIRCLE/STUDIO OF FRANS FRANCKEN JUNIOR (1581-1642)
Aaron receiving gifts, with figures worshipping the Golden Calf beyond
oil on canvas
83 x 158 cm. (32 5/8 x 62 1/2 in.)

The Golden Calf refers to the Book of Exodus, where the Israelites created and worshipped a golden idol while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from God. This event is seen as a profound moment of disobedience and idolatry, as the Israelites, feeling abandoned by Moses and God, asked Aaron (Moses' brother) to make them a god they could worship.

While Moses was away for 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai, the people became impatient and feared that Moses might not return. They asked Aaron to make them a visible God to lead them. Aaron then collected gold from the people, melted it down, and fashioned a golden calf.

Provenance
Private Collection, UK


Frans Francken the Younger was born in Antwerp to Elisabeth Mertens and artist Frans Francken the Elder whom he trained with. Following his artistic education with his family he became a master in the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke in 1605 and was deacon of the Guild in 1616.

References

Frans Francken II in: Frans Jozef Peter Van den Branden, Geschiedenis der Antwerpsche schilderschool, Antwerpen, 1883, pp. 1615–1619