Jacob and Joseph's Coat 1871

Ford Madox Brown painted “Jacob and Joseph’s Coat” in oils on canvas. Here, we witness the sons of Jacob presenting their father with Joseph’s coat, stained with blood, symbolizing his supposed death. Note the richly ornamented coat, a symbol of Jacob’s favor towards Joseph, which incited his brothers’ jealousy. The dog resting on it seems to be a more modern insertion, though it may have evolved from earlier symbols of fidelity or watchful care, as seen in funerary art. The act of displaying the coat is loaded with emotional intensity. This manipulation of objects to evoke grief is not isolated. In classical tragedies, a garment or weapon often serves as a potent reminder of loss, triggering deep, subconscious responses from both the characters and the audience. The recurring appearance of such symbols across different epochs reveals a deep-seated human need to externalize grief. This use of objects enables us to confront and process powerful emotions, echoing through history.