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.

Provenance

Salvi Borgherini; 3rd Earl Cowper in the late 18th century; by descent. Very full analysis in report.Prov: painted for Salvi Borgherini; acquired in Florence, late 18th by 3rd Earl Cowper; by descent.Orig price, £1,350,000 - after tax remission etc