Jozef en de vrouw van Potifar after 1560

Cornelis Cort created this print, "Joseph and Potiphar's Wife," in the 16th century. The composition immediately draws you in with its dynamic arrangement of figures and the intense contrast of light and shadow. Notice how the scene is structured to highlight the tension between the characters. Potiphar's wife reclines seductively on the bed, her form rendered with soft, flowing lines that emphasize her sensuality. In stark contrast, Joseph is depicted in mid-motion, his body angled away, the lines of his figure are sharp and urgent, conveying his frantic attempt to escape. Cort masterfully uses the contrast between these figures to explore themes of morality, desire, and power. The detailed cross-hatching not only defines the forms but also adds depth and texture, enhancing the emotional weight of the scene. This engraving doesn't just depict a biblical story; it uses form and structure to pose enduring questions about human nature and ethical choices.