Scenes from the Story of Joseph – Joseph Sold by His Brethren Bacchiacca (Francesco Ubertini) (1494-1557)

The composition centers on a moment of betrayal and exchange. Here we observe three figures in the foreground engaged in a transaction that carries significant emotional weight. One man, older with a weathered face and grey beard, extends his hand towards a younger figure clad in a simple tunic. This central individual appears to be the focus of the scene; he stands slightly apart from the others, leaning on a staff, his expression conveying a mixture of resignation and vulnerability. A third man, similarly young, stands adjacent to him, holding a stick and appearing somewhat detached from the interaction unfolding between the other two.
The color palette is restrained, dominated by earthy tones – browns, greens, and muted reds – which contribute to a sense of solemnity and gravity. The older man’s purple-grey robe contrasts with the younger mans orange garment, visually separating them while simultaneously highlighting their involvement in this exchange. The central figure’s pale pink tunic emphasizes his innocence and perhaps his isolation within the group.
Behind these primary figures, a landscape unfolds, receding into the distance. A small procession of individuals can be discerned on a path winding through hills and trees. This background element suggests an ongoing narrative, hinting at the consequences that will follow this immediate event. The distant figures appear to be moving away from the central drama, perhaps representing the dispersal or abandonment of Joseph.
The artist’s use of light is noteworthy. It illuminates the faces of the men in the foreground, drawing attention to their expressions and gestures. Shadows are employed strategically to create depth and to obscure certain details, adding a layer of ambiguity to the scene. The overall effect is one of quiet intensity, focusing on the psychological impact of this act of betrayal rather than depicting it as a violent or overtly dramatic event.
Subtly, the composition suggests themes of familial discord, injustice, and sacrifice. The gesture of the older man’s hand implies not only an exchange but also a relinquishment – a passing over to another authority or fate. The younger figures detached stance could be interpreted as complicity or simply youthful indifference, adding complexity to his role in this narrative. The landscape serves as a visual metaphor for the uncertain future that awaits the central figure, underscoring the sense of loss and displacement inherent in the scene.