Scenes from the Story of Joseph: Joseph Sold by His Brethren

Francesco Bacchiacca painted this scene of Joseph Sold by His Brethren around 1515 for the Galleria Borghese, part of the Borgherini bedchamber cycle. Bacchiacca's contribution to this multi-artist project showcases his gift for narrative detail and decorative charm within the collaborative Florentine tradition. The tempera medium required careful preparation on a gessoed panel and a disciplined layering technique that produced precise, durable surfaces suited to the intricate detail expected of devotional painting.

The panel features Bacchiacca's detailed miniaturist approach with carefully observed costumes and landscape elements, creating a narrative tapestry of incident and decoration characteristic of his best work.