Gustave Doré, a renowned French artist, created this work as part of his illustrations for the Bible. The woodcut depicts the biblical story of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers, capturing the emotional intensity of the moment.

The story of Joseph being sold by his brothers is a dramatic and poignant tale found in the Book of Genesis. Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, is envied by his brothers who resent his special status and the dreams he shares that seem to foretell his dominance over them. 

Driven by jealousy, his brothers conspire against him. Initially, they plan to kill him, but instead, they decide to sell him into slavery to a caravan of Ishmaelites heading to Egypt. They then deceive their father into believing that Joseph was killed by a wild animal.

This story is rich with themes of betrayal, jealousy, and ultimately, redemption and forgiveness. Joseph’s journey from being a slave to becoming the second most powerful man in Egypt is a remarkable testament to resilience and faith.