Joseph and Potipher's Wife n.d.

Marcantonio Raimondi created this engraving of ‘Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife’ in the 16th century. Raimondi’s work is a window into the artistic and social dialogues of the Renaissance. The print depicts a biblical story ripe with themes of power, gender, and morality. Potiphar's wife accuses Joseph of attempted seduction after he rejects her advances. The scene captures a dramatic moment of accusation and escape. Potiphar’s wife is on a pedestal, literally elevated in power, as she grasps at Joseph’s robes. Joseph, in turn, is caught between his master’s wife and an idol in the background. The idol seems to reinforce the cultural expectations of the time. Raimondi's work invites us to consider the narratives we construct around gender, desire, and integrity. It compels us to reflect on the power dynamics present in this intimate encounter.