This painting focuses on the traumatic conversion in Spinoza's family and how it affected his philosophy. The stripping of belief from 'superstition' seen as a reaction to the horrors of Marrano existence. The forced cutting of a mans beard is painted as a counterpoint to Spinoza's clean-shaven face. His 'Herem' from the Jewish community and struggle between secular and religious life in search for understanding are the background to this painting .

David Wander is an artist who works in many media including, pastel, watercolor, collage, acrylic, oil on canvas, metal, and woodcarving, He has worked extensively as a landscape painter, travelling throughout the world for his subject matter. His landscapes have been collected by the United States State Department, corporations, and many private collectors. He worked as a printmaker for many years in etching silkscreen and lithography.