Alkoof met Jozef en de vrouw van Potifar 1657 - 1716

Jean Lepautre created this print, “Alkoof met Jozef en de vrouw van Potifar,” a scene rendered with fine lines and detailed textures. The composition is structured like a stage set, complete with architectural elements. The pillars and ornate decorations frame the central drama, creating a sense of theatrical space. Lepautre uses line to define forms and textures—cross-hatching creates shadows and depth. The balance between light and dark draws our eyes to the focal point: Joseph's struggle against the advances of Potiphar’s wife. This highlights the narrative tension. The setting is structured with a clear understanding of classical motifs. This creates a certain distance and elevates the scene. The symmetry of the composition gives way to the diagonal pull of the figures. This imbalance may represent a deeper unease with conventional morality. Lepautre is using the visual language of his time to question its values, suggesting that even within order, chaos and moral ambiguity exist.