Joseph's brothers showing his bloody coat to Jacob 1592 - 1636

This anonymous 17th century drawing, housed in the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, depicts the biblical story of Joseph’s brothers presenting his blood-stained coat to their father, Jacob. This is a preparatory study in pen and brown ink that is typical of the time, displaying the artist’s preliminary exploration of the composition and figures. The loose, expressive lines and emphasis on gesture give a dynamic feel to the scene. It is a valuable insight into the artist's creative process and offers a glimpse into the development of the final artwork.