Joseph Telling His Dreams

Joseph Telling His Dreams, created by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn in 1638, is a highly detailed example of the artist's prolific output in printmaking during the height of the Dutch Golden Age. Executed using the etching technique, this impression represents the third known state of the work, reflecting Rembrandt’s typical practice of revisiting and modifying his copper plates over time to achieve varying effects of light and shadow. The scene draws directly from the Old Testament, depicting the young Joseph relating his prophetic dreams to his family, an event that foreshadows his later prominence in Egypt.

Rembrandt captures the tension of the moment: Joseph stands central, surrounded by Men and Women who register surprise, skepticism, and anger, most notably his father Jacob and his jealous brothers. The composition is intimate yet complex, using careful cross-hatching to define texture and mood. In the background, hints of the domestic setting are provided, where the presence of Animals, perhaps livestock associated with the pastoral setting of the family, grounds the Biblical narrative in everyday realism. As one of the many religious prints produced by the artist, this work demonstrates Rembrandt’s unparalleled ability to convey deep psychological nuance through line work alone.

This impression of Joseph Telling His Dreams is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as a cornerstone example of 17th-century Netherlandish graphic art. Due to its age and historical importance, high-resolution reproductions of this work are frequently available in the public domain, allowing students and enthusiasts worldwide access to study the profound humanism evident in Rembrandt’s mature etchings.