Joseph in the Chariot, Appointed by Pharaoh over all Egypt - Jan Punt

A detailed 1747 etching by Jan Punt depicting the biblical scene of Joseph in his chariot, based on a design by Peter Paul Rubens.

This fine art print by Jan Punt, dated 1747, depicts the biblical narrative of Joseph being elevated to a position of authority by Pharaoh. The composition is based on an earlier design by the Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens, with preparatory work by Jacob de Wit. The scene is contained within an octagonal frame, a common format for decorative ceiling paintings or wall panels of the period.

The central figure of Joseph sits within an ornate chariot, drawn by a team of spirited horses. The dynamic posture of the animals, with their manes flowing and muscles tensed, conveys a sense of movement and triumph. Below the chariot, a figure plays a trumpet, adding to the ceremonial atmosphere of the procession. In the background, an obelisk rises against a cloudy sky, providing a clear reference to the Egyptian setting of the narrative.

Jan Punt was a Dutch engraver and actor, known for his technical precision in reproducing complex compositions. His work here demonstrates a mastery of line and shading, effectively translating the dramatic energy of the original Rubens design into the medium of print. The etching captures the theatricality of the Baroque style, where light and shadow are used to define form and create a sense of depth. The inclusion of the Latin inscription, 'Fecit Pharao ascendere Joseph Super currum Suum Secundum', identifies the specific moment from Genesis 41:43. This print offers a view into the 18th-century Dutch practice of reproducing historical and religious subjects for a wider audience, maintaining the grandeur of the original paintings while adapting them for the collector's cabinet.