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Ferri, Ciro
Joseph Turning Away from Potiphar’s Wife Joseph refusant les avances de la femme de Potiphar
around 1675 v. 1675

A traditional subject of the Weibermacht series, the story of Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:6–20) warns against female lust. Joseph is brought into Potiphar’s household as a servant and is the object of several attempted seductions by the master’s wife. She endeavours once more, leading to his flight and the abandonment of his cloak. The wife then uses the garment to substantiate accusations of Joseph’s sexual advances to her husband, who imprisons Joseph. Ciro Ferri accentuates the wife’s desire through
her exposed flesh, the sumptuous appointment of her bedroom, and her frantic grasp.

Ferri, Ciro
Rome, Italy 1633-Rome, Italy 1689 Rome, Italy 1633-Rome, Italy 1689
Joseph Turning Away from Potiphar’s Wife Joseph refusant les avances de la femme de Potiphar
around 1675 v. 1675
Oil on canvas Huile sur toile
height / width: 75.60 x 104.10 cm; 29.76 x 40.98 in.
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Alfred Bader, 1973 Don de Dr et Mme Alfred Bader, 1973
16-031

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