Expulsion of Heliodorus from the Temple (after Raphael)

Heliodorus is shown being trampled by a celestial horseman and scourged by two youths after attempting to seize the temple treasury. To the left, Pope Julius II appears as an anachronistic witness, carried on his ceremonial chair to observe the divine intervention. The scene is set in a deeply recessed classical temple interior, centering on the high priest praying before the altar.

As part of the Vatican Stanze, this work illustrates the theme of divine providence and the protection of the Church's sanctity. It reflects the High Renaissance synthesis of classical architectural form with sacred history, asserting the triumph of spiritual authority over temporal greed.