Joseph Threatened by his Brothers
c. 1650 - c. 1655
Medium
reed pen and brown ink, some areas deliberately rubbed with a finger or brush, with some pen and black ink (on the headgear of the man at right), over traces of black chalk
Dimensions
175; 169
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
hoogte 169 mm x breedte 175 mm
Art Historical Context
### Joseph Threatened by his BrothersThis intimate drawing by Willem Drost created around 1650-1655, captures a tense biblical moment from the Book of Genesis. Joseph's jealous brothers surround and threaten him, their dynamic poses conveying raw emotion and impending violence. At just 169 mm high by 175 mm wide, the work exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age's mastery of small-scale drawings, which often served as studies for paintings or standalone treasures collected by connoisseurs. Drost a promising pupil in Rembrandt's Amsterdam workshop, employs reed pen and brown ink with masterful subtlety. He deliberately rubbed areas with a finger or brush to soften edges and create atmospheric depth, mimicking Rembrandt's chiaroscuro effects. Traces of black chalk underdrawing provide a fluid foundation, while selective black ink on the headgear adds crisp detail. This mixed technique highlights the era's innovative approach to ink drawing, blending precision with expressive improvisation. As a window into 17th-century Dutch art, the piece reflects the period's fascination with dramatic narratives from scripture, blending moral storytelling with virtuoso draftsmanship. Visitors will appreciate its emotional intensity, a hallmark of Rembrandt's circle, making it a gem for contemplating human frailty and artistic ingenuity.
About the Artist
Willem Drost · 1633–1659
Dutch, late 17th or early 18th century