Joseph Sold by His Brothers Raphael (1483-1520)

The painting depicts a somber scene from the biblical story of Josephs betrayal by his brothers. In the foreground, a group of men, identifiable as Josephs brothers, are gathered around a pit. Some are pushing a young man, presumably Joseph, towards the pit. His expression is one of distress and disbelief. The brothers faces show a mixture of emotions, ranging from grim determination to apprehension.
To the left, the distinctive humps of camels loaded with goods are visible, suggesting travel and an impending sale into slavery. The background is a sparsely populated landscape with a village in the distance, under a cloudy sky, adding to the overall sense of foreboding.
The subtext of the painting lies in the dramatic moment of betrayal and its consequences. It highlights themes of jealousy, familial conflict, and the cruelty of humans. The stark contrast between the brothers actions and Josephs vulnerability is a central element. The painting serves as a visual narrative of this pivotal event in the Old Testament, foreshadowing Josephs eventual rise to power in Egypt and his reconciliation with his family. The act of casting Joseph into a pit, a literal and symbolic abandonment, is a powerful representation of their sin.