
Wikimedia Commons • Public Domain
Rembrandt made this drawing around 1638, depicting the biblical scene where young Joseph tells his family about his prophetic dreams. In the Book of Genesis, Joseph's dreams foretold that his brothers and parents would one day bow before him, a prediction that enraged his siblings and led them to sell him into slavery in Egypt.
The work demonstrates Rembrandt's extraordinary skill as a draftsman. His quick, confident pen strokes capture the family dynamics with notable economy. Joseph's father Jacob listens attentively while the brothers show various reactions to this presumptuous announcement. Rembrandt repeatedly returned to Old Testament subjects, finding in them opportunities for psychological drama and intimate family scenes.
The drawing is held at the State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg. Some scholars have debated the attribution, with Martin Royalton-Kisch's revision of the Benesch catalogue suggesting possible involvement by Ferdinand Bol, one of Rembrandt's most talented students.

Claude Monet
State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg

Leonardo da Vinci
State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg

Rembrandt van Rijn
State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg

Tintoretto
State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg
Other masterpieces from the Baroque movement

Frans Hals, 1624
Wallace Collection, London
Johannes Vermeer, 1666
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Johannes Vermeer, 1665
Mauritshuis, The Hague

El Greco, 1614
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Johannes Vermeer, 1670
Louvre, Paris, Paris

Johannes Vermeer, 1664
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Johannes Vermeer, 1663
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Diego Velázquez, 1650
National Gallery, London
Luxury wall art with the same mood and energy. Gallery-quality canvas, no museum crowds.
Browse Collection