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This is a drawing showing two figures and an altar. The image features a figure with a long beard holding a knife and another figure, possibly an angelic being with wings, leaning in close. They are surrounded by dramatic elements, including a sacrificial altar with a cross-like structure and a ram in the background. The intricate use of lines and cross-hatching techniques adds a dynamic and textured quality to the composition.
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This is a drawing showing two figures and an altar. The image features a figure with a long beard holding a knife and another figure, possibly an angelic being with wings, leaning in close. They are surrounded by dramatic elements, including a sacrificial altar with a cross-like structure and a ram in the background. The intricate use of lines and cross-hatching techniques adds a dynamic and textured quality to the composition.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Abraham's Sacrifice

Rembrandt van Rijn

Date
1655
Medium
etching and drypoint
Dimensions
sheet (trimmed to plate mark): 15.7 x 13.4 cm (6 3/16 x 5 1/4 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
1943.3.7161
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
1651 to 1700
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Dutch
  • etching
  • Old Testament
  • religious
  • Abraham
  • drypoint
  • Isaac
Provenance

Lessing Julius Rosenwald (Lugt 1760b) purchased from Sessler 1930; given to the National Gallery of Art 1943

Inscription

lower right in plate: Rembrandt f 1655 (the 'd' and the '6' reversed)

NGA object ID 9957. 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.