Joseph's cup being discovered in Benjamin's sack of grain
Original title: Joseph's cup being discovered in Benjamin's sack of grain
kurzbeschreibung
This engraving by the Monogrammist PVO, made around 1580–90, captures the moment Joseph's silver cup is found in his brother Benjamin's grain sack. The action unfolds in a rural setting with mountains and trees, and the image is populated by numerous figures in classical-style dress.
Description
A group of people in ancient garb has gathered around a large sack that several individuals are holding. One of the men carries a jug, others are in motion, some kneel or fall to the ground. In the background, more figures move through a similar rural landscape, accompanied by horses and donkeys. The arrangement is rich in detail and rendered in black and white, as is typical for an engraved print.
Context
The subject is based on the Old Testament story from Genesis 44: Joseph, now holding high office in Egypt, puts his brothers to the test. The Monogrammist PVO was an unknown engraver active in the second half of the 16th century. Biblical scenes of this kind were widespread in late Renaissance printmaking and served both for religious instruction and as artistic demonstration.
Impact
Narrative density and the lively rendering of the figures define the sheet, capturing the dramatic instant of discovery. Clear lines and fine hatching give the view a calm yet insistent mood.
Technique
For this engraving, lines were cut into a metal plate and then printed on paper. The process allows for fine details and precise hatching, which stand out clearly on this sheet. At 13.3 x 24.5 cm, the format matches the small-scale prints common at the time.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)