Joseph and Potiphar's Wife c. 1640

Editor: Here we have Paolo Finoglia's *Joseph and Potiphar's Wife*. The drama is palpable! What strikes me most is the power dynamic visualized here. How do you interpret this scene? Curator: Indeed. This biblical scene, often portrayed with voyeuristic undertones, here reflects a broader social commentary on power, gender, and coercion. Notice Potiphar's wife's active role—does it challenge or reinforce patriarchal narratives of female agency, or lack thereof, in 17th century art? Editor: That’s a great point. I hadn't considered the active role as a potential challenge to the norms. Curator: The painting becomes a site to question the historical representation of women and the dynamics of power they navigate. It prompts us to consider whose perspective dominates the narrative, and how that shapes our understanding of the scene. Editor: So true! It's amazing how much a painting can say about social narratives.