Joseph Sold by His Brothers - Johann Sadeler I

A detailed hand-coloured engraving by Johann Sadeler I depicting the biblical scene of Joseph being sold by his brothers.

This hand-coloured copperplate engraving by Johann Sadeler I depicts the biblical narrative of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. The composition is organised around the central action of Joseph being pulled from a pit, surrounded by his brothers and the Ishmaelite merchants. The figures are rendered with the characteristic elongation and expressive gestures associated with Northern Mannerism, a style that prioritised dramatic tension and complex spatial arrangements.

Sadeler, a member of a prominent family of engravers from Antwerp, demonstrates technical precision in the line work, which is further defined by the application of colour. The scene includes secondary details such as camels, a resting dog, and pastoral elements that ground the narrative in a specific, albeit stylised, setting. The Latin inscription at the base provides the scriptural context, referencing the Book of Genesis. The print reflects the period's interest in moralising biblical themes, often produced for collectors of fine engravings and illustrated books.

As a fine art print, this piece offers a window into the printmaking traditions of the late sixteenth century. The use of colour, likely applied by hand after the initial printing, adds a layer of visual interest to the monochromatic engraved lines. The work is typical of the Sadeler workshop's output, which was known for disseminating religious and allegorical imagery across Europe. The print retains the character of its original book-bound format, including the plate number and marginal annotations, which provide historical context for its provenance as part of a larger series or volume.