About this sheet
Optical Print of Joseph Tempted by Potiphar’s Wife, circa 1770 – Dramatic Hand-Colored Vue d’Optique by Probst
This dramatic hand-colored 'vue d’optique', titled "Josephus a Putiphari uxore ad turpe scelus allicitur" (Joseph is tempted by Potiphar’s wife to commit a sin), captures one of the most famous moral tests in the Old Testament. Based on Genesis chapter 39, this 18th-century print portrays the moment Potiphar’s wife attempts to seduce Joseph, who resists and flees the room, leaving behind his cloak—a pivotal act that ultimately leads to his imprisonment.
Created and published by Georg Balthasar Probst (1732–1801) in Augsburg, this scene is part of a series of optical prints intended for use with a zograscope or other perspective viewing devices. Designed for both religious instruction and visual amusement, these *vues d’optique* featured exaggerated perspectives and often reversed titles along the top to enhance the illusion of depth when viewed through a lens or mirror.
This particular composition is especially noteworthy for its refined architectural setting. The interior of Potiphar’s palace is rendered with elaborate perspective: a checkerboard floor recedes into grand vaulted halls, columned arches, and symmetrical portals. The spatial depth and ornamented detail enhance the dramatic contrast between the near and far visual planes. In the foreground, Joseph desperately pulls away from Potiphar’s wife, who grabs his cloak from her bed. The tension and movement in the figures are masterfully captured, with emotional intensity echoing through their gestures.
Furnishings such as a canopy bed, classical chairs, and a small table complete the opulent setting. The multilingual captions—in Latin, French, Italian, and German—reaffirm the print’s broad European audience and didactic purpose. This antique print is ideal for collectors of biblical art, theatrical scenes, and 18th-century European prints.
Keywords: Joseph and Potiphar’s wife, vue d’optique, Georg Balthasar Probst, Augsburg print, hand-colored biblical engraving, Joseph Genesis temptation, optical illusion print, 18th-century religious art, Baroque interior architecture, moral tale print.
Condition:
Very good condition. The hand-coloring remains vivid, with no color bleed. A small crease or two in the margins and light age-toning are present but not obtrusive. No tears or repairs are visible. Plate edges and margins are intact and well preserved. Reversed top title is clean and legible.
Framing Tip:
Due to the strong architectural elements and theatrical subject matter, this print benefits from a bold presentation. A classical wooden frame in dark mahogany or gold leaf will enhance its dramatic tones. A warm, neutral mat—perhaps cream or parchment—will allow the rich colors to shine. Consider UV-filtering glass to protect the hand coloring. This piece is ideal for placement in a hallway, library, or gallery wall with other historical or biblical works.
