Joseph and his Brethren c. 1665 - 1670

Bartolomé Esteban Murillo’s *Joseph and His Brethren* (c. 1665 - 1670) depicts a scene from the biblical story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. The painting captures the moment when Joseph’s brothers, realizing their error, seek to rescue him from the well. The scene is set in a dramatic landscape with a rocky outcrop in the foreground. The figures are depicted in a heightened emotional state, with the brothers’ faces showing a mixture of guilt, remorse, and desperation. Murillo’s skillful use of light and shadow adds to the drama of the scene, highlighting the figures’ expressions and the emotional intensity of the moment. This work, typical of Murillo’s Baroque style, is known for its emphasis on emotional expression and the use of rich, vibrant colors.