Peter von Cornelius (1783-1867) – Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers Alte und Neue Nationalgalerie (Berlin)

The composition presents a scene of emotional reunion and revelation within what appears to be a palatial setting. A central group dominates the foreground, engaged in a flurry of embraces and gestures indicative of profound relief and astonishment. The figures are arranged in a dynamic pyramid shape, with the apex marked by the figure seated on an ornate throne.
Here we see a man, presumably of high status, positioned at this elevated point. He is surrounded by attendants, one of whom holds a ceremonial object – likely a scepter or staff – and another stands near a lion-adorned chair, suggesting authority and power. The light falls primarily on the central figures, highlighting their expressions and emphasizing the drama of the moment.
The men kneeling before him are clearly distressed, their faces etched with a mixture of shame, surprise, and joy. One figure prostrates himself completely, holding aloft what seems to be a horn or trumpet – a symbolic gesture perhaps signifying proclamation or repentance. The artist has rendered these figures with considerable attention to detail, capturing the nuances of their emotional states through subtle shifts in posture and facial expression.
Behind this immediate group, other men stand observing the scene, some with expressions of curiosity, others appearing more reserved. Their presence contributes to a sense of scale and reinforces the significance of the event unfolding before them. The background is rendered with less detail, depicting architectural elements – arches, columns, and what appears to be a distant cityscape – that suggest a grand and imposing setting.
The color palette is dominated by warm tones – reds, yellows, and browns – which contribute to the overall sense of warmth and emotional intensity. The use of light and shadow creates depth and volume, further enhancing the dramatic effect.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and divine providence. The seated figure’s posture conveys a mixture of authority and compassion, suggesting that he is not merely revealing his identity but also offering absolution. The brothers reactions underscore the weight of their past actions and the transformative power of this encounter. The architectural setting, with its classical references, elevates the narrative to a level of timeless significance, implying universal themes of human fallibility and redemption.