Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, http://hdl.handle.net/10934/RM0001.COLLECT.31041
In book 2, chapter 28, Molanus continues the discussion started in the previous chapter on images that contain an error but do not pose a real danger, in this chapter the main focus is on iconographies regarding Jesus Christ. The chapter thus fits in the greater scheme created by the author in the work in which he categorises images and the errors they contain, whether these are to be condemned or not, and according to what or whom. In general, Molanus argues that paintings containing the discussed errors do not have t be removed, as long as the provincial council of the Church does not decide otherwise.
The fifth case discussed by Molanus is the depiction of Job’s friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. The error the theologist addresses, is their depiction as entertainer and people of low standing, instead, they were king and wise men, as is also supported by their discussion with Job. The motif of the entertainers with their musical instruments can, for example be found in Matthias Grnewald’s Mocking of Christ (ca. 1503-1505), kept in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich and part in of the gallery.
“The three friends of Job, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar were kings, as is said also in Tobias 2, 16. They were thus no entertainers, neither men of a low standing who chanted in front of him with musical instruments to ease his pain, as some paintings represent in an absurd manner. Instead, as demonstrated by their discussion with Job, they were very wise men.”
“Tre amici Iob, Eliphaz, Baldat, et Sophar, fuerunt Reges, ut est Tobiae, non autem scurrae, aut viles aliqui homines, qui ut dolorem lenirent instrumentis musicis coram ipso spallebant, ut absurde pictores pingunt. Fuerunt viri sapientissimi, ut ex eorum disputatione constat.”
Molanus 1996, 202, n. 6-7.
