Jakob kust Benjamin vaarwel en de beker in Benjamins zak gevonden 1791

This print, made by Simon Fokke around the mid-18th century in the Netherlands, depicts two scenes from the biblical story of Joseph and his brothers, rendered in etching. It's worth considering the cultural context in which Fokke produced this work. The Dutch Republic in the 18th century was a society deeply shaped by its Protestant faith. Biblical stories were not merely religious narratives but also moral and ethical touchstones for the community. Fokke’s choice to illustrate this particular episode speaks to the importance of family, forgiveness, and divine providence within Dutch society. The print circulated within a public sphere shaped by religious institutions, schools, and family life. To understand this artwork fully, scholars turn to sources like period sermons, religious tracts, and social histories to illuminate the complex interplay between faith, society, and artistic production.