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Joseph Recounting His Dreams
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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.
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About Joseph Recounting His Dreams
Joseph Recounting His Dreams is at the State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg. The Rijksprentenkabinet in Amsterdam also holds related works.
It shows Joseph telling his prophetic dreams to his family from Genesis. His dreams predicted his brothers would bow to him, which angered them and led to his sale into slavery.
Rembrandt made this drawing around 1638. He frequently returned to Old Testament subjects throughout his career, drawn to their psychological drama.
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