The Finding of Pharaoh's Cup in Benjamin's Sack 1549

This drawing, "The Finding of Pharaoh's Cup in Benjamin's Sack," was made in 1549 by the Dutch artist, Maarten van Heemskerck. It depicts a scene from the Old Testament story of Joseph. Van Heemskerck made this work at a time when the Netherlands was undergoing dramatic religious and political change. As a committed Catholic, his choices of subject matter can be seen as a commentary on the issues of his time. In the image, the cup is a symbol of power and authority, and its presence in Benjamin's sack suggests the possibility of hidden transgression and injustice. This image can be understood as a reflection on the religious and political tensions of the 16th century, when the rise of Protestantism challenged the authority of the Catholic Church. Understanding the context in which art is made helps us to appreciate its meaning and significance, so research into religious beliefs, social structures and institutional histories of the time can only enrich our understanding of works like this.