Joseph Telling His Dreams
1638
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching shows a crowded scene with people huddled together. In the center, a young man sits on the ground, looking up at an older man who’s speaking to him. Around them, others lean in, some with hands raised or resting on their neighbors. The background is filled with dark, tangled lines that look like trees or a forest. Notice how the artist used sharp lines to show emotion—faces are expressive, and the clothing looks rough and real. This isn’t a polished painting but a scratchy, detailed print. Want to learn more? Try looking up etching.
