17th-century Tapestry From The Flanders Workshop—joseph Tests His Brothers—no. 1702

17th-century Flemish tapestry – Joseph Tests His Brothers, a scene from Genesis

This magnificent tapestry has undergone a thorough cleaning, as well as being hand-backed with 100% linen fabric, and meticulously inspected by our experts in our artisanal workshop. It is now ready to adorn your interior.

Flemish tapestry, second half of the 17th century, in wool and silk, depicting an episode from the story of Joseph and his brothers, based on Genesis, chapter 44.

This remarkable, monumental tapestry depicts a dramatic episode from the Old Testament: Joseph tests his brothers after having a silver cup placed in Benjamin’s sack. The scene depicts the moment when the brothers, caught up with after their departure from Egypt, are searched and the supposedly stolen cup is discovered in the youngest brother’s sack, in accordance with the account in Genesis 44.

The composition unfolds against a vast, richly animated landscape, featuring elegant architecture in the background, lush vegetation, and a large gathering of figures dressed in costumes whose styles and colors are characteristic of 17th-century Flemish art. The gestures, postures, and interactions among the protagonists lend the scene a truly theatrical dimension, while guiding the viewer’s gaze toward the heart of the biblical narrative.

The entire scene is beautifully framed by a wide decorative border adorned with foliage, flowers, and plant motifs, typical of the ornamental style of the great Flemish tapestries of this period. The color palette, dominated by blues, whites, greens, and natural wool tones, lends the work a particularly refined harmony.

With its exceptional size—4.50 meters wide—its biblical subject matter, and the grandeur of its composition, this tapestry makes for a striking piece of decor, particularly suited to a prestigious interior, a historic residence, or a collection dedicated to antique decorative arts.