Joseph Sold by His Brothers
1546
Medium
Engraving in black on ivory laid paper
Dimensions
Sheet: 11.4 × 7.7 cm (4 1/2 × 3 1/16 in.)
Classification
engraving
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
77886
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
Georg Pencz’s 1546 engraving “Joseph Sold by His Brothers” captures a tense moment from the biblical Book of Genesis. The compact scene shows Joseph’s brothers, driven by jealousy, selling him into slavery. At just 11.4 by 7.7 centimeters, the work draws viewers in to study the figures’ gestures and expressions, turning a dramatic family conflict into an intimate visual experience. Created as an engraving in black on ivory laid paper, the piece demonstrates the precision of Renaissance printmaking. The medium allowed artists to produce fine lines and subtle shading that could be printed repeatedly, helping spread religious stories beyond church walls to a growing audience of collectors and readers. Now part of the Prints and Drawings collection at the Art Institute of Chicago, this engraving reflects the era’s interest in moral tales and technical skill. Its small scale and careful detail invite quiet contemplation of themes like betrayal and resilience that continue to resonate with visitors today.
About the Artist
Georg Pencz · 1490–1550
Comment on works: Religious; History; Portraits