Joseph Is Sold by His Brothers, Rembrandt (1606-1669).

When the Midianite traders passed by, they pulled Joseph up out of the pit. They sold Joseph for twenty pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites, who brought Joseph to Egypt. (Genesis 37-28)

Rembrandt’s etching of the sale of Joseph portrays Joseph as a fearful child. He is being held by two of his brothers, perhaps Simeon and Levi, while his sale is taking place on the right. The main character is most probably Judah, who is described in the Bible as being the one who suggested that Joseph be sold rather than murdered.

Dr. Bryna Jocheved Levy

Photo courtesy of Kupferstichkabinett der Staatlichen Museen, Berlin.