Joseph Sold to Potiphar in Egypt, 1770, Optica Print

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Optica Print of Joseph Sold to Potiphar in Egypt, circa 1770 – Architectural Vue d’Optique by Georg Balthasar Probst This … Read more Optica Print of Joseph Sold to Potiphar in Egypt, circa 1770 – Architectural Vue d’Optique by Georg Balthasar Probst This highly detailed hand-colored *vue d’optique*, titled "Madianitae vendebant Iosephum Putiphari in Aegypto Pharaonis Camerario" (The Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, officer of Pharaoh), is a compelling visual retelling of a biblical episode from the Book of Genesis. Produced around 1770 in Augsburg by the noted printer Georg Balthasar Probst, this print illustrates Joseph’s arrival in Egypt and his sale to Potiphar by the Midianite traders, who had acquired him from his brothers. This scene continues the dramatic biblical narrative of Joseph and is part of a series of *vues d’optique*—optical perspective prints intended for viewing through a zograscope, a lens device popular in 18th-century Europe. These prints were made with reversed titles at the top to accommodate mirrored viewing, giving a striking sense of depth and realism to the architecture and figures. Georg Balthasar Probst (1732–1801), active in Augsburg, was one of the most prolific publishers of such perspective prints, known for combining biblical storytelling with vivid architectural fantasy. In this composition, the setting is an imagined classical Egyptian city rendered in a European neoclassical style, featuring grand palaces, arcades, columned porticoes, and tiled courtyards. At the lower right, the Midianite merchants bargain with Potiphar, who inspects Joseph with curiosity. The background is filled with bustling market activity, town buildings, and richly dressed figures, offering depth and narrative complexity. The presence of multiple architectural elements—balconies, domes, and checkerboard flooring—makes this a textbook example of *vue d’optique* design meant to play with linear perspective. The multilingual captions in Latin, French, Italian, and German speak to the widespread distribution and appeal of these prints across Europe. This piece is perfect for collectors interested in religious art, optical prints, or architectural engravings. Keywords: Joseph sold in Egypt, Potiphar print, vue d’optique, Georg Balthasar Probst, Augsburg perspective print, 18th-century biblical engraving, Midianite traders, Joseph Genesis art, antique hand-colored print, optical illusion engraving. Condition: Very good condition overall. The print features strong hand-coloring and clear plate lines. Minor signs of age such as slight toning and a faint vertical crease (possibly original to the paper or fold from storage) are present but unobtrusive. The sheet retains wide margins and clean edges. The reverse title is intact and legible, consistent with optica prints. Framing Tip: To highlight the architectural beauty and rich color palette, consider framing this print in a classic gold or dark wood frame with a neutral mat—ivory or pale stone tones work particularly well. Use museum-grade glass for UV protection to preserve the integrity of the original hand-coloring. Best displayed alongside other architectural or religious-themed prints for a gallery-style arrangement in a library, study, or traditional interior. See less