Joseph Relating His Dream to His Brothers, 1770, Print

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Optica Print of Joseph Relating His Dream to His Brothers, circa 1770 – Hand-Colored Biblical Scene This captivating hand-colored antique … Read more Optica Print of Joseph Relating His Dream to His Brothers, circa 1770 – Hand-Colored Biblical Scene This captivating hand-colored antique print is an exceptional example of an 18th-century 'vue d’optique', or optical print, titled "Josephus suum somnium fratribus narrat" (Joseph relates his dream to his brothers). The scene is taken from the biblical story of Joseph, where he recounts his prophetic dream to his brothers, as found in the Book of Genesis. The print is enriched with descriptive captions in four languages: Latin, French, Italian, and German, underscoring its international appeal and intended use for both educational and entertainment purposes across Europe. This optica print was produced by Georg Balthasar Probst (1732–1801), a renowned printer and publisher active in Augsburg, Germany. Probst was one of the most prolific creators of optical prints during the late Baroque and Rococo periods. These prints were specifically designed for viewing through a zograscope or optical viewing device, which created an illusion of depth and three-dimensionality. To enhance this effect, many optica prints, including this one, feature reversed text at the top so that it would appear correctly when seen through a lens or mirror. The scene itself is lively and beautifully detailed. At the center stands Joseph, gesturing as he shares his dream with his brothers, who respond with mixed emotions. In the background, symbolic elements of the dream are illustrated, including the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing down, and sheaves of wheat in the field. The careful hand-coloring, pastoral setting with livestock, and expressive figures all contribute to the print’s visual richness and narrative strength. The classical ruins and mountainous landscape in the background are typical of 18th-century European biblical imagination. Collectors and decorators alike will appreciate the historical, religious, and artistic value of this piece. Its vivid composition and the inclusion of multilingual captions make it not only a decorative item but also a talking point steeped in cultural and biblical heritage. Keywords: Joseph biblical print, optical print, vue d’optique, Augsburg Probst, hand-colored engraving, 18th-century religious art, antique storytelling print, Baroque biblical scene, Joseph and his brothers print. Condition: Good condition for its age. Strong plate impression with vibrant original hand-coloring. Minor age-related toning along the edges and faint handling marks in the margins. The print has wide margins and shows no significant tears or repairs. Two small pinholdes in the left border outside the platemark. Reverse text at the top is clearly legible and typical for optica prints. Framing Tip: To best highlight the historical character of this print, consider a classic wooden or gilded frame with a soft off-white or cream-colored mat. A slightly darker mat border may also help draw the eye into the vivid central scene. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the delicate hand-coloring. This print is well-suited for libraries, studies, or any interior where biblical or historical themes are appreciated. See less