Artwork
The Arrest of His Brethren
The Arrest of His Brethren is an oil painting by the Early Renaissance artist Francesco Bacchiacca. It dates from 1515 and is held in the collection of the Galleria Borghese.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1515, this oil painting by Francesco d’Ubertino Verdi—commonly known as Bachiacca—captures a moment from the Genesis narrative in which Joseph is apprehended by his brothers. The composition centers on a group of men in vivid attire gathered before a stone doorway, their gestures and glances conveying tension and drama.
Subject & Meaning
The work illustrates the biblical episode of Joseph’s brothers confronting him, a story traditionally interpreted as a study of betrayal, jealousy, and eventual reconciliation. By positioning the central figure in a red robe and straw hat, the artist emphasizes his prominence within the group, inviting viewers to consider themes of authority and familial conflict.
Technique & Style
Bachiacca employs a rich palette and careful modeling of light and shadow, creating a chiaroscuro effect that gives the figures three‑dimensional presence. The detailed rendering of fabrics and accessories reflects the early Renaissance interest in naturalism, while the composition’s dynamic arrangement hints at the emerging Mannerist tendency toward heightened drama.
History & Provenance
The painting entered the collection of the Galleria Borghese in Rome, where it remains on display. Its attribution to Bachiacca aligns with the artist’s Florentine background and his known output during the early 16th century, situating the work within the broader trajectory of Italian Renaissance art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Francesco d'Ubertino Verdi, called Bachiacca (say "bah ki ah cka"). He is also known as Francesco Ubertini, il Bacchiacca (1494–1557). He was an Italian painter of the Renaissance whose work is characteristic of the…
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