The sculpture features two central human figures within an ovular frame. One figure is an older man standing upright, holding a dagger or knife in his raised hand against a backdrop of clouds and sky that reveal a smaller winged figure. The older man stands beside a younger kneeling figure on an altar. Surrounding them are elements from nature such as trees and a landscape. The sculpture is made of a bronze-like material with a shiny, reflective surface and subtle color variations. The figures and details stand out in relief from the background.
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The sculpture features two central human figures within an ovular frame. One figure is an older man standing upright, holding a dagger or knife in his raised hand against a backdrop of clouds and sky that reveal a smaller winged figure. The older man stands beside a younger kneeling figure on an altar. Surrounding them are elements from nature such as trees and a landscape. The sculpture is made of a bronze-like material with a shiny, reflective surface and subtle color variations. The figures and details stand out in relief from the background.

National Gallery of Art · Sculpture

Abraham and Isaac

Netherlandish 17th Century

Date
17th century
Medium
silver repoussé
Dimensions
overall: 7.8 × 6.5 cm (3 1/16 × 2 9/16 in.)
Classification
Sculpture · Plaquette
Accession number
2018.208.3
Credit line
Gift of Andrew Brown in memory of Eleonora Luciano
Time span
1551 to 1600
Department
CSD

Subjects and terms

  • Baroque
  • Netherlandish
  • Old Testament
  • religious
  • Abraham
  • Isaac
  • Renaissance Plaquettes
  • repoussé
Provenance

Sir John Pope-Hennessy [1913-1994], London; his estate; by inheritance to private collection, United States; (sale, Morton & Eden, London, 27 June 2018, no. 181); Andrew M. Brown, Anchorage; gift 2018 to NGA.

NGA object ID 217889. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.