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Joseph's Brethren Discover Money in Their Grain Sacks

ca. 1530
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 544
A hatful of coins is the central focus of this composition and its narrative. Having rid themselves of Joseph as a child, his ten brothers travel to Egypt to buy corn when famine plagues their homeland (Genesis 42:1–28). They fail to recognize Joseph, now the governor, as he accuses them of spying and imprisons them, only to release them three days later so that they can buy food. The panel narrates the moment when, on their way home, the brothers discover in one of the sacks the money they thought they had already spent and worry that they will be accused of theft. The tight grouping of the figures enhances the moment’s tension.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Joseph's Brethren Discover Money in Their Grain Sacks
  • Date: ca. 1530
  • Culture: French, probably Rouen
  • Medium: Colored, stains, and enameled glass
  • Dimensions: Overall: 36 × 26 1/4 in. (91.4 × 66.7 cm)
  • Classification: Glass-Stained
  • Credit Line: Gift of George D. Pratt, 1927
  • Object Number: 27.108
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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