Lot Essay
A study for the picture presented at the Salon of 1737 (fig. 1) and probably purchased by M. de la Haye, fermier-général; it was part of his widow's sale in Paris, 1 December 1778, lot 29. Pierre Rémy, the expert of the sale, described the painting in the catalogue as 'Joseph accusé par femme de Putiphar: ce tableau composé de 4 figures, & peint par Charles Coypel en 1737, est un de ses meilleurs ouvrages', T. Lefrançois, op. cit., P.182, illustrated. There are only minor differences between the drawing and the painting: the vase to the right of Joseph does not occur in the picture and the disposition of the drapery in the foreground is slightly modified.
A drawing of smaller dimensions, similar in composition to the present one, was sold in Paris, Drouot, 9 March 1988, lot 45, illustrated, T. Lefrançois, op. cit., D.73. A pastel study for the head of Potiphar's wife was with Didier Aaron in 1993, T. Lefrançois, op. cit., D. 76, illustrated.
A drawing of smaller dimensions, similar in composition to the present one, was sold in Paris, Drouot, 9 March 1988, lot 45, illustrated, T. Lefrançois, op. cit., D.73. A pastel study for the head of Potiphar's wife was with Didier Aaron in 1993, T. Lefrançois, op. cit., D. 76, illustrated.