Abraham's Sacrifice

About to prove his complete devotion and fear of God, Abraham is prevented from sacrificing his son Isaac at the last minute by an Angel, who in Rembrandt’s depiction literally stays his arm. This print is a masterpiece in controlled drama and suspense, made all the more painful and touching as it is a wonderfully subtle and tender scene. Abraham’s blind obedience is alluded to by the darkness of his eyes, anguished yet clouded by faith, as he is about to kill the son he had so longed for. Unlike in other depictions of this scene, Isaac is not tied down to the altar; with an obedience that equals his fathers, he kneels down, terrified of what is about to happen, while Abraham tenderly shields his son’s eyes from the long knife in his left hand.