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Old Masters to 19th Century
Nichola Tornier, "Joseph and Potiphar's Wife", 17th century
The story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife is taken from the Book of Genesis. The story goes that Potiphar's wife desired Joseph, who was [quote] good-looking [unquote], and demanded he make love to her. Joseph refused, and one day, when they were alone in the house, the scene depicted in the painting before us occurred: "She pulled off his clothing and said: 'Sleep with me'. He left his clothes in her hand and fled outside". When Potiphar returned home, his wife accused Joseph of attempted rape, and Joseph was sent to prison.
Several hints in the picture testify to what has occurred: a carved wooden satyr with eagle claws for legs is on the bed board, and a pair of sandals is strewn between Joseph legs. Greek mythology attributes sexual significance to the satyr, and the cast off sandals are witness of the struggle which took place between the man and the woman.
Nichola Tournier, as was the artist Manfredi whose painting "A Musical Pair" is exhibited alongside this one, were both members of a group of painters who adopted the style of the Italian artist Caravaggio, who was active from 1573 to 1610. This style emphasized drama [moving events] through diagonal lines, depth, strong and focused lighting effects, dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, diagonal placing of figures, hand gestures, and flowing and tattered clothing.
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