Joseph Sold by His Brothers
Original title: Joseph in the centre being sold by his brothers standing above a well, camels at the right
kurzbeschreibung
This 1533 engraving captures the biblical moment when Joseph's brothers hand him over to passing traders. The print was executed by an unknown engraver known by the notname Master of the Die; the technique is engraving.
Description
A group of men clusters around a well, with Joseph at its center while several brothers grip him. At the right edge, camels appear, their heads announcing the traders' approach. Behind them rises a wooded hill crowned by a tower-like structure. Light falls evenly across the surface, with hardly any shadows separating the planes—giving rise to a calm, narrative tone.
Context
Behind the Master of the Die is an Italian engraver who worked in Rome in the first half of the 16th century and trained on Raphael and other Renaissance painters. When this sheet was made, biblical subjects were widespread in the print market and quickly found buyers.
Impact
An even application of light and delicate linework give the sheet a quiet, almost monumental presence. The eye is drawn to the narrative core; the layout remains clear and legible without detours.
Technique
For the engraving, lines were cut into the plate with a burin. Finely set hatching and precise strokes produce graduated tonal values and make the forms stand out plastically.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)