Potiphar's Wife (Potiphars Weib)

Wilhelm Lehmbruck

Wilhelm Lehmbruck is best remembered as a German Expressionist sculptor who suffered from depression after his experiences as a soldier in WWI and whose work was later classified as 'Degenerate' by Hitler and the Nazis. Lehmbruck committed suicide at age 38 but left a legacy of powerful sculptures and prints that reflected his personal angst.

His main productive period was between 1910 and 1919. He is recognized for his sketch-like style in drypoints, lithographs and engravings depicting one or more slender and emotional figures often expressing sad and mournful gestures.

"Potiphar's Wife" is an excellent example of his printed work using drypoint and etching to capture a biblical subject. The story in Genesis alleges that the slave Joseph had been put in control of the estate and household of wealthy Egyptian Potiphar, whose wife (who is never named) had not had any children and was bored by Potiphar. She became enamoured of Joseph and attempted to seduce him but he refused, the subject of this composition. She, in anger, accused him of attempted rape and he was arrested and jailed by Potiphar where he began to interpret the Pharoah's dreams.