Jozef in de put 1530 - 1533

This anonymous print, titled "Jozef in de put," captures a biblical scene with striking emotional intensity. Joseph, betrayed, is cast into a well by his brothers, a potent symbol of envy and sibling rivalry. The well itself is not merely a physical space, but a metaphor for the depths of human despair. Consider the countless artistic renderings of descent into darkness, from the harrowing tales of the underworld in classical mythology to the symbolic caves and abysses in Renaissance painting. This motif of entrapment and isolation recurs across cultures, each time reflecting our deepest fears and anxieties. The brothers' averted gazes, however, speak volumes about their inner turmoil. This subtle gesture echoes through time, reappearing in scenes of guilt and betrayal. Such gestures are not mere artistic conventions, but rather a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The image reminds us that symbols are never static, that they are constantly being reinterpreted and imbued with new meaning.