ANDREA DEL SARTO
(b. 1486, Firenze, d. 1530, Firenze)

Stories of Joseph

1515-16
Oil on wood, 98 x 135 cm
Galleria Palatina (Palazzo Pitti), Florence

This is one of the two paintings commissioned by Pier Francesco Borgherini.

In this picture there are depicted the following episodes of the Bible, beginning from the left: Joseph interprets the dreams of his father Jacob; Jacob and Rachel order Joseph to join his brothers; further on, Joseph journeying towards his brothers; the brothers let down Joseph into the well; one of the brothers shows Jacob the blood-stained garments of Joseph, who, he says, is dead.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 5 minutes):
Étienne Nicolas Méhul: Joseph, aria