Horlogekast met Potifars vrouw en Jozef 1661 - 1726

This print, depicting Potiphar's wife and Joseph, was created by an anonymous artist as a design for a clock case. The scene is from the Book of Genesis, in which Joseph flees the advances of his master's wife, leaving his cloak behind. Made in the Netherlands, this print reflects the cultural and religious values of the time. The story of Joseph was often used as a cautionary tale against temptation and adultery, reflecting the strict moral codes of Dutch society, and it was often seen as evidence for the virtue of resisting temptation. The print could be interpreted as a commentary on the importance of moral virtue, particularly in the context of family and household. As a historian, I would want to research the role of religion and morality in Dutch society during the period when this print was made. Exploring the ways in which art was used to promote certain values and beliefs could give us a better understanding of the social and cultural context in which it was created.