Joseph und Frau Potiphar (Joseph and Potiphar's wife)

Hans Meid

This subject is based on an etching by Rembrandt of 1634 (Bartsch 39). Meid's image is reversed from that of Rembrandt. The compositions differ in numerous elements but there is little doubt as to the source.

According to the Book of Genesis 39:1–20, Joseph was bought as a slave by the Egyptian Potiphar, an officer of the Pharaoh. Potiphar's Wife tried to seduce Joseph, who eluded her advances. As Joseph repelled her attempt to lure him into her bed, she grabbed him by his coat: "And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out"(Genesis 39: 11–12). Citing his garment as evidence, Potiphar's wife falsely accused Joseph of having assaulted her, and he was sent to prison.