Joseph sold to Potiphar & Pharaoh with his Butler and Baker & Joseph's brothers beg for help

Jacopo Pontormo (1497 - 1557)

National Gallery

probably 1515

The 3 paintings formed part of the decor of a suite of bedroom furniture commissioned by the Florentine banker Salvi Borgherini, in honour of the marriage of his son. The first depicts Joseph being brought to Egypt and sold by the Midianites to Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh's guard. The second, different fates of Pharoah's butler and baker whose dreams Joseph had interpreted in prison. These formed part of the panelling behind the bed. The third panel was probably the front of one of the cassoni which stood on either side of the bed and shows Joseph, now risen to a high position in Egypt, receiving his brothers who have come to buy corn in times of the 7 years of famine.

• Medium: oil on panel
• Dimensions: 1) 59 x 50.6cm; 2) 59.7 x 51cm; 3) 36.3 x 142.5
• Art Fund Grant: £21000 ( Total: £640,000; Tax Remission)
• ArtFunded in: 1979
• Vendor: Christie's

Provenance

Salvi Borgherini; 3rd Earl Cowper in the late 18th century; by descent. Very full analysis in report.Prov: painted for Salvi Borgherini; acquired in Florence, late 18th by 3rd Earl Cowper; by descent.Orig price, £1,350,000 - after tax remission etc, to purchase price which was confidential but estimated by Press at over £1,000,000.

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