Jozef wordt aan kooplieden verkocht op weg naar Egypte 1546 - 1599

This anonymous print depicts the biblical story of Joseph being sold to merchants on their way to Egypt. The identities and status of the people involved are central to understanding this image. The merchants, rendered with detailed clothing and focused on counting their coins, represent a rising merchant class that was gaining prominence. Joseph, on the other hand, is depicted as vulnerable and powerless, a stark visual representation of enslavement. The contrast is palpable, isn't it? Consider how this scene reflects broader societal structures, where economic transactions often overshadowed human dignity. This print invites us to reflect on the historical context of trade and exploitation, urging us to consider the human cost of economic systems, and reflect on the power dynamics that allow such transactions to occur.