The artwork, “Joseph Sold Into Egypt” by James Tissot, created circa 1896 to circa 1902, uses gouache on board to capture a scene in the Realism art movement. This religious painting vividly depicts a moment from the biblical story of Joseph being sold into Egypt.
In the artwork, a young Joseph stands before an Egyptian authority figure who is seated and adorned with traditional Egyptian attire and jewelry, indicative of his status. The composition includes several other figures; two men sit in the background observing the transaction, their expressions and relaxed postures adding depth to the narrative. The use of light and shadow, coupled with the detailed rendering of attire and setting, emphasize the emotional and historical context, bringing the biblical episode to life with meticulous realism. The confined, yet light-filled interior space reinforces the gravity of the moment, creating a powerful visual impact.
