Joseph and Potiphar's Wife

Detail of Joseph and Potiphar's Wife. Prayer Book. Illuminated by Master of the David Scenes in the Grimani Breviary. Bruges or Ghent, c. 1515-20. Collection: Copenhagen, Det Kongelige Bibliotek, Gl. Kgl. Saml. 1605, 4f

“In the image for the deadly sin of lust, a foppishly dressed Joseph, in pink tights, hurriedly flees from the bed of Potiphar's wife (ill. 136a). The garment she snatches off him as he runs, a detail described in Genesis, helps the reader to identify the story."

Image from the book Illuminating the Renaissance: The Triumph of Flemish Manuscript Painting in Europe, by J. Paul Getty Trust (2003). Image pg 375, Info pg 374. Getty Publications. Los Angeles, CA, USA. Paperback edition. ISBN #0-8923-6704-0.

With thanks to Teleri of Gwynedd, aka Barbara Perrotta, for the loan of her wonderful book.