Jacob Blessing the Sons of Joseph (recto) and The Egyptians Sell their Goods to Joseph for Grain (verso) from Quadrins poetiques by Paradin, plate 76 from Woodcuts from Books of the XVI Century c. 1558 - 1937

Curator: Here we have a fascinating double-sided print, a page from Bernard Salomon’s Quadrins Historiques de la Bible. It dates roughly to the mid-16th century, around 1558. On the front, we see "Jacob Blessing the Sons of Joseph" and on the reverse "The Egyptians Sell their Goods to Joseph for Grain". It's an ink and woodcut engraving on paper. Editor: My immediate impression is of the sheer density of information packed into such a small space! The figures, the interior details, the text below…it all feels meticulously crafted, and the stark black and white gives it a dramatic feel, a sense of heightened emotion and ritual. Curator: Salomon was known for the small scale but impressive density in these prints for book illustrations. Notice the crispness of the line, a hallmark of his engraving technique. He was working in a tradition that valued skill and precision. He uses line work to render light, shadow, and even different textures – look at the woven canopy of the bed. The materiality here is interesting – a relatively accessible printmaking technique for widespread distribution. Editor: Yes, and considering the scenes, they're full of symbolic weight. Jacob, nearing death, bestowing blessings speaks to generational continuity, the passing of power, a profound spiritual connection to one’s ancestors. Joseph's story is also interesting because it showcases ideas about interpreting signs, cycles of fortune, a shift from scarcity to bounty, plenty in hard times. There's so much narrative packed into each miniature tableau. Curator: Precisely. Salomon manages to convey complex narratives, in essence mini history paintings. The compositions themselves are telling. Look at the position of Jacob’s body: lying in bed on a luxurious raised platform, as compared with the position of Joseph’s sons in supplication. This would’ve been consumed in book form, handled intimately, passed around, a very different encounter to viewing a large-scale painting in a public setting. It is thought that some editions, though very few, had some hand-applied coloring added. This could really create quite a different interpretation with certain colors applied. Editor: So true. The symbolism and implied stories combined with the tangible printing process. To reflect, these modest pages carry the weight of grand narratives and the artist’s skilled labor. Curator: A powerful reminder of how accessible, small objects can resonate deeply. Thank you.