Triomf van Jozef 1559

Editor: So, this is Dirck Volckertsz Coornhert's "The Triumph of Joseph," made in 1559. It's an engraving, a print. The first thing I notice is how incredibly detailed everything is, almost overwhelmingly so! What really grabs your attention when you look at this piece? Curator: Well, it's funny you say "overwhelming." I actually find that complexity rather… endearing! Coornhert, ever the humanist, crams this image full of symbolism and allegorical figures. Joseph, of course, is the biblical hero, elevated – literally! – atop that ox, but what’s *really* going on here? Do you get a sense of the historical or cultural context behind it? Editor: I’m guessing it’s something about Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt? I see people behind him and that strange banner. And, is that supposed to be *envy* in the back on the right side? Curator: Exactly! Joseph's triumph isn’t just about personal success; it's a victory over adversity, envy – represented by that figure gnawing on… well, something unpleasant. Coornhert, through his detailed rendering and allegorical figures, really challenges us to consider not just the narrative, but its meaning. And notice that bee hive on the banner! Do you happen to know why the artist placed it in the piece? Editor: No idea, actually, other than bees make honey, maybe? Curator: Yes. and remember what honey symbolized. If it had appeared in your dream, it meant flattery or kind words were on the horizon. Likewise, Coornhert places the beehive in this piece as a tribute to Zaphrach (the man helping Joseph). He helps and honors Joseph with flattery and kind gestures! It just reminds us, you know, that art wasn’t just for show – it was a whole system of knowledge, cleverly encoded! Editor: Wow, I hadn’t even considered all that detail! It’s like a secret code waiting to be deciphered. That kind of context really changes the way I see the whole engraving. Thanks. Curator: Exactly, and remember: a bit of research on context brings art back to life every time. It ceases to be simply pigment on wood and turns into something more, something infinitely more precious, no?