Salvador Dalì, Joseph et Fratres in Aegypto, 50x39 cm, Lithograph from The Holy Bible, 1967

Colour lithograph from the Holy Bible collection of 1967. This work depicts Joseph, who was Jacob’s most beloved son and was gifted the “coat of colours” by his father. His ten brothers envied him for the predilection of their father towards Joseph, that they sold him as a slave to the Ishmaelites, or Midianites, who carried him to Egypt. He was then bought over by Potiphar, who worked for the Pharaoh. Joseph was an extraordinary prophet as he had the power to reveal and interpret dreams. He was also able to foretell the future and saved Egypt from the famine. This print showcases Joseph in the middle ground, who seems to be foretelling the future. The background includes four characters, out of which, one could be Potiphar as he is dressed as an Egyptian. The other figures are believed to portray Joseph’s brothers who sold him off. The lithograph is labelled number 15 and is plate signed by Dalí.