The artwork titled “Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife,” created by Orazio Gentileschi in 1632, belongs to the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement and is classified as a religious painting. The artwork presents a dramatic and emotive scene derived from the biblical narrative, focusing on the interaction between Joseph and Potiphar’s wife.
In the artwork, Potiphar’s wife is depicted in a state of distress and urgency, grasping onto Joseph’s cloak as he attempts to flee the scene. She is seated on an opulent bed, draped in rich fabrics, which highlights her status and wealth. The backdrop of crimson curtains further amplifies the tension and intensity of the moment. Joseph, dressed in a striking red garment, is in the act of turning away, his posture indicating movement and resistance. The careful use of lighting accentuates the figures’ expressions and actions, creating a powerful contrast between the illuminated subjects and the darker background. Through this masterful composition, Gentileschi effectively conveys the narrative’s themes of temptation, virtue, and defiance.
