FRANCKEN, Frans II
(b. 1581, Antwerpen, d. 1642, Antwerpen)

The Israelites at the Tomb of the Patriarch Joseph

1630
Oil on oak panel, 66 x 110 cm
Private collection

In this painting the artist has combined two important episodes from the Biblical story of the Israelites' flight out of Egypt and their return to the Promised Land. Having successfully crossed the Red Sea under the leadership of Moses, they watch while in the right distance the Pharaoh and his armies are destroyed when God engulfs them in the waters. In the centre of the composition, some of the Hebrews gather around the coffin of the patriarch Joseph, which lies open on the ground.