Joseph, the Butler and the Baker by Alexander Ivanov, Genesis 40, Bible.Gallery
Joseph, the Butler and the Baker created 1827 nad was completed in 1827 Its dimension is 213cm wide and 178cm high and it was drawn with oil on canvas style.
Artwork Description
This painting is linked to Genesis 40, in which Joseph is in the Pharoah's prison, when two of Joseph's fellow prisoners have wild dreams and need Joseph to interpret them. The cupbearer dreamt that there were three vines and the vines blossomed grapes, which were pressed into wine for the Pharoah. The baker dreamt that there were three baskets on his head, and the top basket contained bakements for the Pharoah but yet the birds ate the breads. Joseph interpreted these dreams as; within the next three days the cupbearer would be restored to his position as the Pharoah's cupbearer, and in three days Pharoah would hang the baker. This painting depicts Joseph interpreting the dreams of the cupbearer and baker, but it leaves an empty void in between Joseph and the cupbearer, and the baker, which seems as though there is a rift between them. Perhaps this painting is attempting to portray the baker as alone on the ground as he is about to face his death, and the cupbearer as equal with Joseph and having hopes for their futures.