"And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream and there is none that can interpret it; and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it." (Gen.41:15)

Pharaoh is troubled by two similar dreams. In the first dream, seven fat and healthy cows appear, only to be devoured by seven sickly thin cows who follow them. The second dream follows the same plot, with seven golden ears of corn being destroyed by seven unhealthy ears. When none of his advisers can interpret the dreams, Pharaoh calls Joseph from the cell where he is imprisoned. Joseph warns him that the dreams foreshadow seven years of famine that will descend on Egypt after seven years of plenty. Because of this warning, Pharaoh is able to plan ahead and save his people from starvation and rewards Joseph handsomely.

Chagall depicts the Pharaoh in a moment of concentration or indecision. His lowered eyes and gesturing hands indicate his mindset. Joseph looks up at the ruler and points confidently to the dream, having just come to understand its meaning.

Created in 1958, this original engraving with watercolor is the 22nd plate in the series of 105 images that Chagall created for his Bible series. Numbered from the edition of 100 in pencil in the lower left margin, this work bears Marc Chagall's (Vitebsk, 1887 - Saint-Paul, 1985) hand written monogram in pencil in the lower right margin. Tériade, Paris, published this folio, and Raymond Haasen, Paris, did the printing for the series.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
This work is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices accompanying the final sale of the work).
1. Cramer, Patrick. Marc Chagall, The Illustrated Books: Catalogue Raisonné. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 30 on pp. 110-117.
2. Rosensaft, Jean Bloch. Chagall and the Bible. New York: Universe Books, 1987. Listed and illustrated as plate 22.
3. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

About the Framing:
Framed to archival museum grade conservation standards, this piece is presented in a complementary moulding with silk-wrapped mats and optical-grade Plexiglas.