Genesis 39: Joseph cast into Prison 15th-16th century

Editor: This anonymous work, "Genesis 39: Joseph cast into Prison," depicts a biblical scene with a distinctly medieval flavor. I'm struck by the stark contrast between the figures being forced into what appears to be a dungeon, and the king and queen observing the event. What can you tell me about the context in which something like this would have been produced and circulated? Curator: The image likely circulated in the form of a printed book, given its status as a woodcut. The decision to represent Joseph's story in a medieval setting is revealing. It collapses historical distance, drawing parallels between biblical narratives and the social order of the time. It begs the question: how might contemporary audiences have interpreted this visual alignment of biblical injustice with their own societal structures? Editor: So, it's not just illustrating a story, but potentially commenting on contemporary power dynamics? Curator: Precisely. The image becomes a site of social commentary. I find this blend of religious narrative and socio-political reflection quite compelling. Editor: It definitely makes you look at it differently. Thank you.