Jozef vertelt zijn droom aan Jakob 1572

Pieter Jalhea Furnius made this print, Jozef vertelt zijn droom aan Jakob, likely between 1575 and 1600, using etching and engraving. It depicts a scene from the Book of Genesis, where Joseph recounts his prophetic dreams to his father Jacob, surrounded by his skeptical brothers. Produced in the Netherlands during a period of religious and political upheaval, the print reflects the cultural fascination with biblical narratives and moral lessons. The artist uses classical architectural elements to frame the scene, a common visual code of the time, while the characters' gestures and expressions convey a range of emotions, from Joseph's youthful exuberance to his brothers' envy. To fully understand this work, historians look at emblem books, biblical commentaries, and the broader visual culture of the Dutch Golden Age. This reveals how the print engages with contemporary debates about faith, family, and the interpretation of dreams, offering insights into the social values and anxieties of its time.