Joseph Accused by Potiphar's wife

Pontiphar’s wife tries to seduce the pious Joseph. When Joseph does not give in, she accuses him of making a pass at her, thus insulting her husband.

According to Genesis, Joseph was not present at the scene: he had fled the room. For dramatic effect Rembrandt includes him in the scene.

Rembrandt will go on to paint the same scene again, also in 1655. The other canvass is now in Berlin. It is quite similar to this one.

This biblical passage also inspires Joost van den Vondel, Rembrandt’s contemporary and fellow-townsman, and the Netherlands’ greatest playwright of their time. Vondel’s tragedy Joseph in Egypt appears in 1640. Research has shown that Rembrandt probably attented a performance in 1655 - the year he made these paintings. The actrice who played Potifar's wife may have modelled for Rembrandt's painting.