Lot number 2065 - Auction 142
SELTENE IKONE MIT JOSEF UND POTIFARS FRAU

A RARE ICON SHOWING JOSEPH AND POTIPHAR'S WIFE Greek, 19th century Tempera on wood panel. Executed on a gold ground. Potiphar is a person known only from the Book of Genesis's account of Joseph. Potiphar is said to be the captain of the palace guard and is referred to without name in the Quran. Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, is taken to Egypt where he is sold to Potiphar as a household slave. Potiphar makes Joseph the head of his household, but Potiphar's wife, who is not named in the Bible or in Christian tradition, is furious at Joseph for resisting her attempts to seduce him, and falsely accuses him of attempted rape. Potiphar casts Joseph into prison, from where he later comes to the notice of Pharaoh through his ability to interpret the dreams of other prisoners. Minimally restored, the edges minimally chipped. 47.2 x 31.1 cm.