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

Details

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn
Abraham's Sacrifice (B., Holl. 35; H. 283)
etching, 1655, a good impression with touches of burr beneath the bowl at the lower left and elsewhere, with thread margins, a few touches of pen and ink on Abraham's shirt, very minor spots of old adhesive on the reverse, the number 19 in pen and ink at the lower right corner verso, otherwise in very good condition
P. 155 x 131 mm., S. 159 x 135 mm.

Provenance

F.A. Buck (not in Lugt).

Special notice

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Lot Essay

Clearly linked in terms of size and subject the present work can be seen as forming a pair with the previous lot. 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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