Joseph and Potiphar's wife 1805 - 1844

Ignace-Joseph de Claussin’s etching depicts a tense moment between Joseph and Potiphar’s wife, drawn from the biblical narrative. Claussin was active during a period of significant social upheaval, including the rise and fall of Napoleon. His work reflects the changing attitudes towards morality, class, and power dynamics. This etching captures a fraught intersection of gender, class, and morality. Potiphar's wife, a woman of high status, attempts to seduce Joseph, a servant, challenging the conventional power structures. Joseph’s expression and posture reveal his internal conflict and moral resistance, highlighting the personal struggle against societal expectations and the seduction by someone of a higher class. The emotional tension in the scene underscores the complexities inherent in human relationships and the struggle for individual integrity in the face of societal pressures. As you consider this etching, reflect on how it might be suggesting a re-evaluation of the traditional narratives surrounding gender, class, and morality.