Joseph Thrown into a Pit by His Brothers, 1770, Optical Print

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Optical Print of Joseph Thrown into the Pit by His Brothers, circa 1770 – Hand-Colored Vue d’Optique from Augsburg This … Read more Optical Print of Joseph Thrown into the Pit by His Brothers, circa 1770 – Hand-Colored Vue d’Optique from Augsburg This dramatic hand-colored engraving is an authentic 18th-century 'vue d’optique' print titled "Josephum fratres in foveam conjiciunt" (Joseph is cast into the pit by his brothers), based on the biblical story from the Book of Genesis. This scene continues the narrative of Joseph, son of Jacob, who is betrayed by his jealous brothers and cast into a pit in the wilderness. The scene is powerfully composed, with emotional intensity visible in the gestures and movements of the figures, and is rendered with vibrant coloring typical of the Augsburg school of optical prints. This print was published by Georg Balthasar Probst (1732–1801), a prominent German printer and engraver active in Augsburg, a major center for the production of *vues d’optique*. These prints were specifically created to be viewed through an optical viewing device called a zograscope, which gave the image a sense of depth and dimensionality. To accommodate this optical illusion, many such prints, including this one, feature reversed text at the top, which appears correctly oriented when seen through a lens or mirror. In this detailed composition, Joseph is seen being lowered into a well-like pit by his brothers, while others look on or discuss what to do next. His iconic multicolored cloak lies discarded nearby. A distant village and bridge are visible on the horizon, set against hilly terrain and colorful rock formations. The inclusion of animals, trees, and expressive figures adds a richness to the scene that makes this work not only a religious print but also a visually engaging landscape and moral tableau. The multilingual captions—Latin, French, Italian, and German—underline its broad European appeal and educational function. This antique print is a fine example for collectors of biblical illustrations, Baroque prints, and optical engravings. Its combination of moral narrative, technical artistry, and historic printing techniques makes it highly desirable. Keywords: Joseph and his brothers, optical print, vue d’optique, Augsburg print, Probst engraving, 18th-century biblical art, Joseph in the pit, hand-colored religious print, antique storytelling illustration. Condition: Very good overall condition for its age. The hand-coloring is vivid and well-preserved. The sheet shows minor age-toning and a few faint creases, primarily in the margin area. There are no tears or restorations affecting the image. Plate marks are clear, and margins are generous. Reverse title text is intact and characteristic of optical prints. Framing Tip: For presentation, this print would benefit from a classic wooden frame in walnut or gold finish, paired with a cream or pale beige mat. Consider using museum-quality UV-filtering glass to protect the original hand coloring. A deeper frame or shadow box could enhance the optical illusion when paired with subtle spotlighting. Perfect for libraries, studies, or religious institutions seeking to display narrative-based historical art. See less