The drawing depicts a scene from the Old Testament story of Joseph. Sold by his brothers into slavery, Joseph rose to a position of eminence in Egypt. Years later, his brothers were sent to Egypt to buy corn; unrecognised by them, Joseph hid a precious vessel in the sack of the youngest, Benjamin, then sent his servants after them to search their baggage and accuse them of theft. The brothers were returned shamefaced to Joseph, whereupon he revealed his identity to them. Cat. 53