Jozef wordt door zijn broers verkocht 1755

Louis Fabritius Dubourg made this drawing of "Joseph sold by his brothers" using pen and brush, with grey ink and grey wash. These are quite traditional materials, but used with great finesse. The ink, applied with these different tools, gives a full tonal range to the scene; it’s not just a line drawing, but a fully realized composition. The artist makes the most of the ink’s inherent qualities, varying the consistency to achieve different effects of light and shadow, and to suggest the textures of skin, drapery, and foliage. The controlled application of these simple materials required a skilled hand and eye. It shows the depth of technique that characterized the artistic training in 18th century Europe. But the very subject of the drawing has interesting implications too. Joseph is being sold into slavery – a brutal market transaction rendered here with the refinement of a classical composition. We might reflect on the economics that underwrote not only the scene portrayed, but also the artistic skill needed to produce it.