Artwork

Joseph Sold into Slavery

Joseph Sold into Slavery, by John Skippe, ink, 1783
Joseph Sold into Slavery, by John Skippe, ink, 1783

Joseph Sold into Slavery is an ink print by the Romanticist artist John Skippe. It dates from 1783 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Joseph Sold into Slavery is a chiaroscuro woodcut created by John Skippe in 1783. The print is rendered in gray and black from three blocks on an old mount.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts a dramatic moment from a narrative, likely biblical, showing a central figure in a white robe being dragged by others, with a broken staff on the ground, suggesting themes of betrayal or loss of authority.

Technique & Style

The artist employed chiaroscuro, using shading to create contrast between the figures and the flat background, which features a rocky landscape and distant mountains. The technique gives the figures a sense of depth and volume.

Artist & collection

Artist

John Skippe

John Skippe (1741–1812) was an artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.