Reginald Arthur
fl. 1881-1896 | British

Joseph Interpreting Pharaoh's Dream

Signed and dated 'Reginald Arthur, 1894' (lower right)
Signed and dated 'Reginald Arthur/1893' (en verso)
Inscribed 'No.2/Reginald Arthur/47 Bedford Square/W.C./"Joseph interpreting Pharaoh's Dream" / "Behold there come seven years of great plenty/ throughout all the land of Egypt, and there shall arise after them seven years of famine,' (on the artist's label attached to the reverse)
Oil on canvas

Reginald Arthur's highly compelling composition Joseph Interpreting Pharaoh's Dream captures a well-known biblical story in monumental scale. The artist's vivid oil on canvas is masterfully composed, offering an immersive experience for the viewer. The grand masterpiece is further distinguished by its one-of-a-kind, original Egyptian Revival frame, which heightens the drama of the beloved narrative.

In Genesis Chapter 41, when Pharaoh has a particularly troubling dream of seven lean cattle and thin ears of corn devouring seven full ones, he turned to young Joseph, a servant known for his powerful interpretations of dreams. Correctly interpreting the dream as a warning of famine following seven years of plenty, Joseph saves Egypt from starvation and is appointed chief advisor to the Egyptian ruler. The exquisitely detailed Egyptian Revival gold frame makes reference to the tale, inscribed: “Behold there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt, and there shall arise after them seven years of famine.”

Arthur’s dynamic composition masterfully captures this monumental biblical narrative on a single canvas. Pharaoh, marked by his red double crown and surrounded by lavishly dressed attendants, gazes intently at Joseph as he interprets the dream. Under Pharaoh’s feet, Arthur meticulously renders a highly detailed and lifelike tiger skin rug — a striking detail of Pharaoh’s dominion and the artist’s virtuosity. Joseph takes a bold striding stance, confidently gesturing with both hands as he enumerates the number of years that Egypt will be under the famine. Joseph’s pose is reminiscent of that of the Horatii brothers in Jacques-Louis David’s Neoclassical masterpiece Oath of the Horatii, an indication that Arthur was not only a skillful painter but a student of art history. Every detail of Arthur’s accomplished composition compels the viewer to take a closer look and find themselves immersed in the millennia-old narrative.

Reginald Arthur’s biography remains largely mysterious, but his importance among late-19th century English artists is certain. The artist exhibited another ancient Egypt-inspired painting, The Death of Cleopatra, at the Royal Academy in 1892. Considering Arthur lived in London only a few blocks from the British Museum, it is clear he was deeply inspired by its collection, particularly the institution’s Classical and Egyptian antiquities. Mere decades after Napoleon’s legendary campaign in Egypt, Arthur embraced the Egyptomania that fascinated much of Europe, combining it with the Royal Academy tradition of excellence in carefully capturing biblical and historical scenes.

Further marked by prestigious provenance, Joseph Interpreting Pharaoh’s Dream was once in the collection of music and film executive Seymour Stein.

Painted 1894