Gold

There are over 300 mentions of gold in the Bible: it’s a symbol of holiness and purity, and has historical associations with power and greed. It’s also a rich source for artists to interpret and use in their work—just don’t tell Leon Battista Alberti. In this episode of Bible & Art Reframed, Joost and Michelle explore the topic of Gold through a tiny coin from the Persian Empire, a medieval manuscript (Joost’s favourite) featuring a golden calf, and a hauntingly beautiful crown from Peru. Join as they reflect on gold in the Bible, art, and its role in colonial history. The artworks and insights in this episode can be explored in more detail on the Visual Commentary on Scripture: the internet’s premier place for Bible and Art. It houses over 1000 artworks and insightful commentary from experts around the World. Support Bible & Art Reframed by subscribing, sharing with a friend, and leaving us a review! _______ Links to Artworks Unknown artist, Ancient Greek Coin, Gold Persian Daric, Great King kneeling with bow, c.450 BCE, Gold; Hoberman / UIG / Bridgeman Images William de Brailes, The Israelites Worship the Golden Calf, from Bible pictures by William de Brailes, c.1250, Illumination on parchment, The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore; MS Bible Pictures, shelf mark W.106, fol. 13r, The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore Unknown artist, Apse mosaic of the Transfiguration, 565–66, Mosaic, Saint Catherine's Monastery, Sinai; LatitudeStock / Alamy Stock Photo Marcos del Carpio [attrib.], Crown of Thorns, c.1760, Gold, repoussé, cast, and chased with emeralds, a topaz and other precious stones, 8.7 x 25.9 cm, Cabildo Metropolitano de Arequipa, Peru; Photo: Daniel Giannoni, Courtesy of Cabildo Metropolitano de Arequipa, Peru Olga de Amaral, Alchemy 50 (Alquimia 50), 1987, Canvas, gesso, gold leaf, and acrylic paint, 165 x 150 cm, Tate; Presented by the artist 2016, T14879, © Olga de Amaral; Photo: © Tate, London / Art Resource, NY Explore additional artworks on this theme in our Curated Commentaries on Gold. Hosts: Dr Michelle Fletcher and Dr Joost Joustra Producer: Megan Jones Theme: Tim Bentley Instagram: @the_VCS TikTok: @thevcs.org YouTube: VisualCommentaryonScripture