Joseph Accused by Potiphar's Wife

Charles Antoine Coypel's "Joseph Accused by Potiphar's Wife" depicts the dramatic moment from the Book of Genesis when Potiphar's wife falsely accuses Joseph of assault after he rebuffs her advances, a narrative that became a popular subject in Baroque and Rococo art. Executed in oil on canvas, the painting showcases Coypel's characteristic theatrical composition and rich color palette, with dynamic figural arrangements that emphasize the emotional intensity of the accusation scene. The work exemplifies the French Rococo painter's skill in rendering history painting with psychological complexity, capturing both the innocence of Joseph and the rage and humiliation of his accuser within a richly appointed interior setting.