Manuscript Illumination with Joseph Sold by His Brothers in an Initial V, from an Antiphonary 1490

Giovanni Pietro da Cemmo created this manuscript illumination, “Joseph Sold by His Brothers in an Initial V, from an Antiphonary”, around 1500 in Italy. It depicts the biblical story of Joseph, betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. The use of an initial "V" to frame the narrative isn't merely decorative; it places the story within a tradition of illuminated manuscripts, often commissioned by wealthy patrons or religious institutions to reinforce cultural and religious values. However, the emotional intensity of the scene—the brothers' cold calculation, Joseph's vulnerability—hints at the complexities of family dynamics, raising questions about loyalty, betrayal, and the economic dimensions of identity. The composition offers a glimpse into the social structures of Renaissance Italy, a time of growing mercantile activity. By depicting this biblical narrative, da Cemmo invites viewers to consider the intersection of faith, family, and economic reality, and to reflect on the personal and societal implications of such transactions.