Joseph's coat brought to Jacob after 1633

This small etching, "Joseph's coat brought to Jacob," presents a masterclass in miniature composition and tonal contrast. The artist uses dense crosshatching to create a rich, almost palpable darkness that sharply defines the figures against a lighter background. The scene, heavy with emotion, is structured around a tight cluster of figures presenting the bloody coat. Notice how the artist uses the stark contrast between light and shadow to highlight Jacob’s expressive gesture of anguish and the accusers' accusatory pointing. The composition is further anchored by the doorway, a structural element that frames the emotional drama. This strategic use of architectural form not only contains the narrative but also directs our gaze, emphasizing the psychological space within the scene. The artist destabilizes the narrative by emphasizing the emotional rather than the literal. The raw intensity of the moment is conveyed through the rigorous and economic use of line and shade, reflecting a profound engagement with themes of deception and grief.