This painting is one of a series of panels that decorated the bedchamber of the Palazzo Borgherini in Florence. Together, they tell the life of Joseph from the Old Testament. This panel shows Joseph visited by his brothers (Genesis 43).
Left, Joseph's brothers bear presents from their father Jacob; centre, they present the gifts to Joseph; right, they depart. They still do not realise Joseph is their lost younger brother.
'Joseph pardons his Brothers' by the artist and 'Joseph sold to Potiphar', 'Pharaoh with his Butler and Baker', 'Joseph's Brothers beg for Help' and 'Joseph with Jacob in Egypt' by Pontormo, are part of the same series.
Key facts
Artist
Artist dates
1495 - 1557
Full title
Joseph receives his Brothers on their Second Visit to Egypt
Date made
probably 1515
Medium and support
Oil on wood
Dimensions
36.2 x 142.2 cm
Acquisition credit
Bought, 1886
Inventory number
NG1218
Location in Gallery
Other paintings in the group: Scenes from the Story of Joseph
