Joseph's Coat is Shown to Jacob
The unbearable report of Joseph's untimely death is brought to his adoring father Jacob along with his coat of many colors. The coat Jacob made for Joseph symbolized his intense connection with his beloved son. This bond is now severed forever; Joseph is no more, and the coat has been ravaged. In the biblical account, Rachel is not present. Rembrandt has chosen to include her, along with Jacob and two messengers, perhaps to intensify the impact of the devastating news. The utter horror of Jacob's expression wordlessly conveys his anguish, which determines the tone of the painting. Introduction >> |