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Joseph Recounting His Dreams

Rembrandt van Rijn

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a group of figures gathered in a room. The composition features multiple figures, engaged in a discussion or teaching scenario. One figure on the right is standing and gesturing with their hand, possibly addressing the seated figures to the left. The background is softly washed, suggesting a dimly lit interior space. The drawing employs loose, expressive lines that capture the movement and attitude of the figures. The balance of dense, detailed areas with more sparsely drawn sections gives a sense of dynamism to the scene. The use of pen, ink, and wash provides depth and contrast, emphasizing certain characters and their interactions.

Artwork Details

Date
early 1640s
Medium
reed pen and brown ink with brown wash, heightened with white, on laid paper
Dimensions
4226 × 3299 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original