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.

The episodes here represented are, beginning from the left: Pharaoh under his tent has the dreams of the full and empty ears of corn and of the fat and lean cattle; Joseph receives the golden collar which the Pharaoh gives him in gratitude for the interpretation of the dreams (he explains them on the right before the palace on the short flights of steps); in the background on the staircase Joseph is seen being carried off as a prisoner.

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