researching Rembrandt's painting, my first perceptions of the focal point of this composition did not change, but I felt I understand better how he created the focal point. Before researching Rembrandt's work, I felt drawn to the woman in this painting for the mere fact that she is easiest to see and in the middle of the picture. The design principle, focal point, the point of emphasis that attracts attention and encourages the viewer to look further best explains how I was pulled in by Potiphar's wife. Through my research I discovered Rembrandt, in order to heighten the importance of Potiphar's wife's action, her fingers pointing to the robe, placed her fingertips in the middle of the canvas (Munz 10). Another important placement involves the bed. After a careful look at the picture, I found the bed also is located in the middle of the painting, and covers over half of the canvas. The bed is also then another focal point, since it dominates the composition while other areas are subordinate to it. Rembrandt's focal points work because of the strong contrast between light and dark and because of placement of the characters in this story. Thus, through research I learned how Rembrandt achieves his focal points, which my first perception initially discovered.Now without knowing the story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife one could piece together the events taking place by the content in the painting. There is a large room partly lit. In the center is a bed with white sheets fitted perfectly, as if a maid had just finished dressing it. To the side of the bed, seated in an equally large chair, is a most troubled-looking woman. She is adorned with a lavish, bright-colored gown, and wears decorative jewelry, with her hair luxuriously woven. She points with her right hand an accusing finger at a dark maroon cloak draped on one of the bedposts. Her other hand holds a torn lapel of an undergarment, suggesting she has been in some manner...
