The artwork “Joseph Accused by Potiphar’s Wife” is an oil painting completed by the esteemed Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn in 1655. This work is an exemplar of the Baroque and Tenebrism movements, known for their dramatic use of light and shadow. The painting measures 98 x 106 cm and is categorized within the religious painting genre. It is presently housed at the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin, Germany.
The artwork portrays a tense moment from a biblical narrative where Potiphar’s wife accuses Joseph of impropriety. The composition is rich with emotional resonance, displaying the palpable anguish and accusation in the interaction between the figures. Rembrandt masterfully uses chiaroscuro to focus the viewer’s attention on the central drama: the wife’s gesture and expression of deceitful vehemence contrasted against Joseph’s stance of righteous denial. A third figure, perhaps Potiphar himself, looms in the background, his expression one of contemplation and judgment. The subtleties of the scene are enhanced by the contrast of colors and the play of light, embodying Rembrandt’s proficiency in capturing human emotion and moral complexity.