The Tribute Money

The prototype for this picture is in the Pinacoteca Nazionale, Ferrara (inv. 95). Previously attributed to Giovanni Cariani, it is now given to Rocco Marconi and illustrates an episode in the New Testament in which the relationship between Christianity, secular government, and society is examined (Matthew 22:15-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26). Hostile questioners attempt to trick Christ into taking a clear stance on whether Jews should pay taxes to the Roman authorities, to which he replies 'Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's' (Matthew 22:21).