Jakob krijgt het bebloede kleed van Jozef te zien 1572

This is Pieter Jalhea Furnius' engraving, Jakob Gets Shown Joseph's Bloodied Coat. It’s difficult to say exactly when it was made, but Furnius was active during a period of significant social and religious upheaval in Europe. The artwork depicts a biblical scene fraught with deception and grief. Jacob, the patriarch, is shown the bloodied coat of his son Joseph, leading him to believe Joseph has been killed by a wild animal. Joseph’s brothers stand by, complicit in the lie, their faces betraying a mix of guilt and satisfaction. The scene explores themes of family, betrayal, and identity. The brothers’ deception is motivated by jealousy, as Joseph was their father’s favorite son. The bloodied coat becomes a symbol of lost identity. In that time, clothing was so important, it signified status, wealth, and belonging. Joseph's coat, once a symbol of his favored status, is now evidence against him. Furnius invites us to reflect on the complexities of human relationships. The pain of loss, the weight of deception, and the fragility of identity.