The artwork titled “Joseph explains the dreams of Pharaoh (Genesis XLI, 25 28 32)” was created by Marc Chagall around the year 1956 in France. This piece, executed in the medium of etching on paper, is associated with the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and measures 29 x 23 cm. It belongs to the genre of religious painting and is a part of the “Etchings for the Bible” series produced between 1930-1939 and 1952-1956.
The artwork depicts a poignant biblical scene wherein Joseph is elucidating the dreams of Pharaoh. Stylistically characteristic of Chagall’s work, it uses simple, yet expressive lines and forms. Pharaoh, adorned with a crown, sits pensively, his hands raised slightly, while Joseph, positioned to the right, gestures animatedly, signifying the act of explanation. In the background, illustrative imagery of cattle can be seen, hinting at elements of the dream being discussed. The composition and use of etching lend a textured, almost three-dimensional quality to the scene, encapsulating the essence of spiritual reverence and narrative depth central to the biblical text.
