“Joseph has been recognized by his brothers,” created by Marc Chagall in 1931 in Paris, France, is a poignant work of art rendered using gouache, oil, and paper. This piece, which belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement, measures 62 x 49 cm and is classified as a religious painting.
The artwork portrays a biblical scene where Joseph is reunited and recognized by his brothers. Central to the composition is the figure of Joseph, depicted as a dominant and radiant figure draped in white attire, emphasizing his significance and purity. His brothers, in varied postures of supplication and reverence, surround him, their expressions reflecting a mixture of joy, shame, and reverence. The background features an open doorway, symbolizing new beginnings and reconciliations, while the somber tones and the sketch-like quality of the gouache and oil application evoke a sense of poignancy and historical gravity. Chagall’s characteristic style, with its expressive forms and vibrant colors, brings an emotional depth to this powerful narrative of forgiveness and familial love.
