A Victorian Berlin Woolwork Depicting Joseph Interpreting Pharaoh’s Dreams

A large and exceptionally well-preserved Victorian Berlin woolwork picture depicting Joseph interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh, circa 1850–1870.

Pharaoh is shown enthroned beneath rich crimson drapery, attended by his counsellors and courtiers. Before him stands the youthful Joseph, gesturing as he explains the prophetic meaning of the ruler’s dreams: seven years of abundance in Egypt, followed by seven years of famine. The scene is set within an elaborate, imaginary Egyptian palace, its monumental arches opening onto palm trees and a distant landscape.

Worked in finely shaded, brilliantly coloured wools on canvas, with gold-coloured thread used to heighten the costumes and architectural details. The strong reds, blues, greens and ochres remain remarkably fresh. Such pictorial Berlin work was created from coloured, gridded patterns—often adaptations of well-known historical and biblical paintings—and became one of the most accomplished forms of Victorian domestic needlework.

The work remains in excellent condition, without apparent fading, holes or losses, and is presented in its original broad figured rosewood frame with gilt slip.

English, circa 1870

Dimensions: Approximately 30 × 36 inches (76 × 91.5 cm), including the frame.

Condition: Excellent condition. The needlework retains exceptionally rich colour, with no apparent fading, holes or damage. The original frame has minor age-related wear.

Museum comparisons

• The closest comparison is the Smithsonian’s dated 1870 woolwork of precisely the same subject, Joseph Interpreting the Dream of King Pharaoh.

• The Philadelphia Museum of Art holds a Berlin woolwork picture dated circa 1840–1860 and explains how these compositions were worked from paper patterns transferred to open-mesh canvas or linen.

• Historic New England holds a comparable large, framed biblical Berlin woolwork in wool and silk, dated circa 1825–1885.