Joseph and His Brothers
Reading Time: 1:00 min
Joseph and His Brothers
Against the backdrop of an oriental landscape, Joseph stands as the chief steward of the Pharaoh under a canopy throne, draped in a magnificent fur garment. Joseph is surrounded by his six brothers, who had been sent by their father Jacob to Egypt to purchase grain. In the foreground is the sack of grain with the accompanying “silver cup“.
Origin: Second half of the 18th century.
Joseph and His Brothers (Old Testament)
Joseph was one of Jacob’s 12 sons. His father loved him more than any of the others and gave him a coloured cloak. His brothers were jealous of him and sold him into slavery. He was taken to Egypt and eventually became steward to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials. Potiphar’s wife tried unsuccessfully to seduce him and after false accusations were levelled at Joseph he was imprisoned. Due to his ability to interpret Pharaoh’s dream he was made governor of Egypt. He wisely rationed the country’s produce in preparation for a time of famine.
During the famine Jacob’s sons came to Egypt to plead with Joseph for supplies. They did not recognise him but after he was satisfied that they were reformed he identified himself with great joy. Joseph invited his father and brothers to come and settle in Egypt. The story is recounted in the Old Testament.
