Joseph Interpreting Pharaoh’s Dream

The story behind the image

Pharaoh has dreamed of cattle and ears of grain, and none of his advisers can explain what he has seen. Joseph is brought from prison and credits the answer to God: seven years of plenty will be followed by seven years of famine. His advice is practical: store grain while the harvests are good. Doré places Joseph before the whole court, with the king listening from his throne. A story about wisdom, humility and preparation when other people are counting on you.

Take a closer look

Two details to notice

• Joseph stands below the throne, facing a ruler who needs an answer.
• Pharaoh’s listening pose gives the crowded court a quiet center.

About this original

Source

Original 1880 copy of The Bible Gallery →

Illustrator

Gustave Doré

Book text

Talbot W. Chambers, D.D.

Page size reference

The photographed source-book page is approximately 10 inches (25.4 cm) wide, from the outer edge to the gutter. This is a book-page reference; the mounted paper and outer frame sizes are confirmed for each piece. See the measurement photograph →

Photograph

Original page · Detail close-up

Visible condition

A loose original page with binding notches along the left edge, scattered spotting and uneven paper edges. No frame is shown in the supplied photographs; framing is included in the asking price.

Piece reference

ART0045

These original pages were salvaged from a damaged book. The age and individual marks of each physical leaf are part of what makes it unique.

Read the source

• Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams · Genesis 41:14–36 · King James Version ↗
• Joseph’s family · Genesis 37:1–4 · King James Version ↗

The illustration is an artistic interpretation. The linked source gives context for this short introduction.