Joseph vendu par ses frères

This 1850 Joseph Sold by His Brothers depicts the Old Testament betrayal that inaugurated Joseph's journey to Egypt. Chassériau brings his distinctive synthesis of classical line and romantic color to this dramatic biblical narrative of jealousy, betrayal, and divine providence. Chassériau, a pupil of Ingres who was also deeply influenced by Delacroix, occupied a unique position between classical line and Romantic color that made him one of the most original French painters of his generation.

The dramatic scene of fraternal treachery is rendered with Chassériau's characteristic balance of precise drawing and warm, rich palette, the emotional intensity of the narrative conveyed through expressive gesture and bold composition.