Joseph Sold by His Brethren 1546

Editor: Here we have Georg Pencz's "Joseph Sold by His Brethren," a small engraving. The way the figures are clustered together creates a sense of tension. What kind of story do you see being told here? Curator: Well, given the title, we can understand that Pencz is illustrating a well-known biblical narrative. But consider *why* this story is visually represented during the Reformation. How does this imagery function in a society grappling with religious authority and social justice? Editor: So, it’s not just a straightforward depiction of the Bible story. It’s tied to the social context? Curator: Exactly. Think about the role of prints in disseminating ideas. Pencz's image could be seen as a commentary on betrayal, greed, and perhaps even the corruptibility of institutions. How does the public view that message? Editor: It’s fascinating to see how art can reflect and shape public discourse at the same time. Curator: Indeed. By analyzing the image through a historical lens, we gain insight into the complex relationship between art, power, and society.