Joseph Telling His Dreams (reverse copy)

Joseph Telling His Dreams (reverse copy) by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn) is an important print reflecting the artist’s lifelong dedication to etching, a medium that allowed him immense control over line and shadow. The broad date range of 1620-1966 suggests this specific impression or version may be a later reproduction or a print taken from a plate after significant modification or wear, illustrating the lengthy lifecycle of popular prints derived from original seventeenth-century masterworks.

The composition interprets the famous biblical narrative from the Book of Genesis, focusing on the moment the young Joseph reveals his prophetic vision to his siblings and parents. The scene is densely populated, capturing the varying reactions of the men and women present, particularly the skepticism or surprise evoked by the boy's account. Typical of Rembrandt’s Dutch Golden Age style, the image combines dramatic narrative with quotidian details, including the presence of one or more dogs positioned near the central action, grounding the divine story in a realistic domestic setting.

As a highly detailed etching, the work demonstrates the technical prowess required for printmaking during this era. This piece is classified simply as a print, yet it encapsulates the compelling characterization and dramatic lighting for which Rembrandt is renowned. The work is held in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Because of its age and classification as a print, the imagery derived from works such as Joseph Telling His Dreams (reverse copy) is often freely accessible within the public domain, making it an invaluable resource for the study of Baroque art and the history of prints.