Joseph sold to Potiphar & Pharaoh with his Butler and Baker & Joseph's brothers beg for help
Jacopo Pontormo, probably 1515
The 3 paintings formed part of the decor of a suite of bedroom furniture commissioned by the Florentine banker Salvi Borgherini, in honour of the marriage of his son. The first depicts Joseph being brought to Egypt and sold by the Midianites to Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh's guard. The second, different fates of Pharoah's butler and baker whose dreams Joseph had interpreted in prison. These formed part of the panelling behind the bed. The third panel was probably the front of one of the cassoni which stood on either side of the bed and shows Joseph, now risen to a high position in Egypt, receiving his brothers who have come to buy corn in times of the 7 years of famine.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Joseph sold to Potiphar & Pharaoh with his Butler and Baker & Joseph's brothers beg for help, probably 1515
Date supported
1979
Medium and material
Oil on panel
Dimensions
1) 59 x 50.6 cm; 2) 59.7 x 51 cm; 3) 36.3 x 142.5
Grant
21000
Total cost
640000
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