Abraham's Sacrifice (B., Holl. 35; H. 283)

Details

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (Leiden 1606-1669 Amsterdam)
Abraham's Sacrifice (B., Holl. 35; H. 283)
Etching and drypoint, 1655, a fairly good, atmospheric impression, occasional touches of pen and ink, with comparatively wide margins, short tear in the left margin (outside the platemark), minor paper discoloration, otherwise in generally good condition, framed
P. 154 x 130 mm., S. 168 x 144 mm.

Provenance

Max Hausdorff (not in Lugt)

Special notice

On occasion, Christie's has a direct financial interest in lots consigned for sale which may include guaranteeing a minimum price or making an advance to the consignor that is secured solely by consigned property. This is such a lot. This indicates both in cases where Christie's holds the financial interest on its own, and in cases where Christie's has financed all or a part of such interest through a third party. Such third parties generally benefit financially if a guaranteed lot is sold successfully and may incur a loss if the sale is not successful. Christie’s charges a premium to the buyer on the Hammer Price of each lot sold at the following rates: 29.75% of the Hammer Price of each lot up to and including €5,000, plus 23.8% of the Hammer Price between €5,001 and €400,000, plus 14.28% of any amount in excess of €400,001. Buyer’s premium is calculated on the basis of each lot individually.

Lot Essay

The story concerns the test of faith set by God for Abraham in which he was commanded to make a burnt offering of his son, Isaac. At the point where Abraham drew his knife an angel appeared saying 'Now I know you are a God-fearing man. You have not withheld me from your son.' A ram, which had got caught in a thicket nearby, was sacrificed in Isaac's place.

Rembrandt has followed the written source very closely. According to Genesis 'Abraham said unto his young men: abide ye here with the ass and I and the lad will go yonder and worship.' The two young men, and the ass upon which Abraham made the journey, can be seen at the right waiting a little below the hill where the action takes place. The ram can just be made out at the left.

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