Joseph and Potiphar's Wife; verso: Figure Studies c. 16th century

Curator: This is Perino del Vaga's "Joseph and Potiphar's Wife," a pen and brown ink drawing. What are your initial thoughts? Editor: It feels unfinished, like a fleeting glimpse into a dramatic scene. Raw and full of potential energy. Curator: Del Vaga, active during the Italian Renaissance, often explored biblical narratives. Considering the story, how do you see themes of power, gender, and social dynamics playing out in this sketch? Editor: I see her force and desperation versus his struggle, all witnessed in a public space. A power dynamic definitely in play, messy and not idealized. Curator: Precisely, it challenges the traditional heroic narrative, highlighting the complexities of desire and accusation. Editor: It makes me think about how such stories shape our perceptions of virtue and blame. Curator: Absolutely. These historical representations continue to influence contemporary discussions around gender and power. Editor: Del Vaga’s sketch offers a raw, visceral look at a charged moment in history, and I wonder how it would have evolved if he had finished it.