Joseph and his Brethren c. 1657

Pier Francesco Mola created this etching, Joseph and his Brethren, sometime in the mid-17th century. It depicts a scene from the Book of Genesis, in which Joseph, having risen to power in Egypt, is confronted by his brothers who had previously sold him into slavery. This work reflects the cultural milieu of Baroque Italy, where religious narratives were often used to explore themes of power, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Mola’s classicizing style, evident in the architectural backdrop and draped figures, would have appealed to the sensibilities of the Roman elite, who saw themselves as heirs to the grandeur of antiquity. But Mola’s focus on the emotional drama between Joseph and his brothers also speaks to the growing interest in human psychology and the complexities of social relations. Through careful research into the artistic and social context of 17th-century Rome, we can better understand how this image functioned as both a religious lesson and a commentary on the human condition.