Who painted Joseph distributes corn?

Joseph distributes corn was painted by Edward John, Sir Poynter in 1864.

Where can I see Joseph distributes corn?

Joseph distributes corn is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Joseph distributes corn?

Joseph distributes corn is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Joseph distributes corn

Edward John, Sir Poynter , 1864

Joseph distributes corn is a drawing by the Impressionist artist Edward John, Sir Poynter. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Edward John Poynter’s pen-and-ink drawing depicts the biblical figure Joseph handing out grain to a crowd.

About this work

Overview

Edward John Poynter’s pen-and-ink drawing depicts the biblical figure Joseph handing out grain to a crowd. Executed for the 1881 Dalziel Bible Gallery, the image served as the template for a wood‑engraving (catalogued as E.2854‑1904) that appeared in the publication.

Subject & Meaning

The composition illustrates the moment from Genesis when Joseph, appointed overseer of Egypt’s grain stores, distributes stored corn to the famine‑stricken people. The gesture emphasizes themes of providence and administrative wisdom within the biblical narrative.

Technique & Style

Poynter employed a detailed cross‑hatching technique to render texture and volume, creating a richly tonal drawing. The work was photographed and the image transferred onto a wooden block, a process that automatically reversed the design and allowed the artist to adjust scale before the block was carved.

History & Provenance

Created specifically for the Dalziel Bible Gallery, the drawing was later used to produce a wood‑engraving that entered the Dalziel collection under the reference E.2854‑1904. The original drawing remains in the museum’s archives, documenting the collaborative print‑making workflow of the late nineteenth century.

Context

During the 1880s, illustrated Bibles and devotional books increasingly relied on photographic transfer methods to streamline the production of intricate engravings. Poynter’s work exemplifies this shift, marrying traditional drawing skill with emerging photographic technology to meet the demands of mass‑produced religious publications.

Artist & collection

Artist

Edward John, Sir Poynter

Sir Edward John Poynter, 1st Baronet (20 March 1836 – 26 July 1919) was an English painter, designer, and draughtsman, who served as President of the Royal Academy.