"Joseph Is Sold into Slavery"

      This picture illustrates the bible story, Joseph Being Sold into Slavery. This painting was painted by Alexander Maximilian Seitz; in 1989 (“Joseph Is Sold into Slavery”[1]).  Jacob, Joseph’s father, sends Joseph to find his brothers to find his brother. His brothers plot to kill Joseph but instead they sell him into slavery for 20 shekels. This painting is a depiction of the situation of Joseph being sold to the Ishmaelite (“Joseph Is Sold into Slavery”[2]).

      This painting illustrates betrayal of Joseph’s brothers.  Joseph looks very disappointed at his brothers because he thought his brothers loved him. His brothers are looking over Judah’s shoulder and are crowding all around Judah while he is paying the Ishmaelite which shows that they are very eager to sell Joseph into slavery. The brothers on the right corner are next to the ditch where Joseph was pushed into by the brothers.   None of the brothers bother to look at Joseph or give their attention to him before he leaves which demonstrates that how careless they are about their youngest brother, Joseph.  The men are looking away from Joseph or facing their back towards which makes Joseph the center of the painting.  Joseph is also paler and smaller than everyone which demonstrates that Joseph is the victim. 

     The painting, Joseph Being Sold into Slavery, illustrates the theme, loss of dignity.  Joseph’s self esteem is lowered for the reason that none of his brothers truly love him and that they all want him out of their life.  They only gave the Ishmaelites 20 shekels of silver for him which shows that the brothers do not respect Joseph because the brothers do not think Joseph is worth more than 20 shekels.  In the painting, Joseph is looking down and slouching.  This proves that he is very disappointed in his brothers and feels alone. He loses his self esteem because he figures out that no one truly loves him except his father.  Joseph loses his dignity because he is being sold into slavery by his own brothers.    

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[1]  "Joseph Is Sold Into Slavery," Genesis 37,  <http://www.enduringword.com/commentaries/0137.htm>.

[2] Ibid.