Jozef verkocht aan de Ismaëlieten / Jakob is bedroefd bij het zien van de mantel van Jozef 1615 - 1651

This small engraving by Hans Janssen made in the Netherlands in the early 17th century, illustrates two scenes from the Book of Genesis. On the left, we see Joseph sold into slavery, while on the right, Jacob mourns the loss of his son. Such images played a crucial role in the religious and moral education of the Dutch population during a period of intense religious and political upheaval. The Netherlands was then a battleground between Protestant and Catholic factions. The visual language of these biblical scenes, rendered in the precise and detailed style characteristic of Dutch art, served as a powerful tool for communicating religious values and shaping social behavior. To fully appreciate Janssen’s work, we can consult historical texts, religious commentaries, and social histories of the period. By doing so, we reveal the complex interplay between art, religion, and society in the Dutch Golden Age.