Biagio dAntonio Tucci (Florence 1446-1515) – History of Joseph (66x149 cm) c.1485 J. Paul Getty Museum

The composition unfolds as a horizontal narrative scene, divided into distinct episodes linked by movement and procession. The central focus is dominated by an architectural structure – a grand archway supported by columns – which serves as both spatial delimiter and symbolic portal. Within this framework, figures are arranged in hierarchical groupings, suggesting a progression of events.
To the left of the archway, a group gathers around a basin where a young man appears to be drawing water. The scene is populated with onlookers, their expressions ranging from curiosity to concern. Their attire – a mix of tunics and cloaks – indicates varying social standings within this community. A sense of unease permeates this initial segment; the figures seem hesitant, anticipating an impending event.
The archway itself frames a more formal setting. Within its confines, two seated men, presumably authority figures, preside over what appears to be a judgment or pronouncement. The central figure gestures emphatically, while another listens intently. A group of onlookers stands before them, their postures suggesting apprehension and deference. Inscriptions above the figures provide textual context, though their precise meaning remains obscured without further information.
To the right of the archway, the scene shifts to an outdoor setting with a coastal landscape visible in the background. Here we see a procession of individuals on horseback and foot, moving towards what appears to be a port or harbor. A ship is docked, laden with goods, suggesting trade or travel. The figures in this segment display a greater sense of purpose and direction compared to those in the earlier scenes. Their clothing suggests wealth and status; some are adorned with elaborate fabrics and jewelry.
The color palette is restrained, dominated by earthy tones – ochres, browns, and greens – with occasional accents of red and blue. The artist employs chiaroscuro techniques to model forms and create a sense of depth. Light falls unevenly across the scene, highlighting certain figures while casting others in shadow. This selective illumination contributes to the narrative tension and directs the viewers attention to key moments within the unfolding story.
Subtleties in gesture and expression hint at underlying emotional complexities. The hesitant movements of the figures on the left contrast with the purposeful strides of those on the right, suggesting a transition from uncertainty to action. The expressions of the authority figures within the archway convey a sense of solemnity and responsibility. Overall, the work conveys a narrative of displacement, judgment, and eventual relocation – a story imbued with themes of fate, power, and social hierarchy.