Joseph's Coat Brought to Jacob

"Joseph's Coat Brought to Jacob" by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, is a profoundly moving narrative print created during the artist's formative period, likely between 1628 and 1638. This work, executed using the demanding techniques of etching and drypoint on laid white paper, exemplifies the complex layering and nuanced tonal range that established the artist as the preeminent master of the Dutch Golden Age.

The subject is drawn from Genesis (37:31-35), illustrating the moment the sons of Jacob present their father with the blood-stained coat of Joseph, confirming their deception and Jacob's subsequent, overwhelming grief. Rembrandt focuses the viewer's attention on the intense emotional conflict, using strong contrasts of light and shadow-a precursor to his developed chiaroscuro-to illuminate the anguished patriarch while leaving the deceptive brothers partially obscured in shadow. The drypoint technique lends a rich, velvety blackness to the darkest areas, heightening the drama and isolating Jacob’s figure.

This early biblical study reflects Rembrandt’s career-long commitment to emotionally charged, deeply psychological subjects. The skilled handling of the medium allowed him to explore minute changes in expression and texture rarely seen in prints of the era. This significant example of Joseph's Coat Brought to Jacob resides within the highly regarded collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a key reference for understanding 17th-century Netherlands printmaking. Given its age and cultural importance, this image is frequently studied and widely available through public domain art initiatives, making the master’s technique accessible globally.