The artwork entitled, “Having become the favorite of the Pharaoh, Joseph gets his brothers to come to Egypt, requesting food supplies for their country suffering from famine. He makes himself known to them and pardons them (Genesis XLV, 1-8),” was created by Marc Chagall circa 1956 in France. Executed in the medium of etching on paper, this piece belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. The dimensions of the artwork are 29.9 x 23.9 cm, and it is categorized as a religious painting. It forms a part of Chagall’s series called “Etchings for the Bible,” which was developed between the years 1930-1939 and 1952-1956.
The artwork depicts a pivotal moment from the biblical story of Joseph, who, after becoming favored by the Pharaoh, facilitated the arrival of his brothers to Egypt amid a famine. In a poignant scene, Joseph reveals his identity and forgives his brothers. The etching’s composition captures the emotional intensity of this revelation and reconciliation, characterized by Chagall’s distinctive, expressive style. Figures in the artwork are rendered with a blend of anguish and relief, encapsulating the profound human experiences of forgiveness and reunion. The use of dark and light contrasts accentuates the dramatic atmosphere of this unparalleled biblical scene.
