Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn 1606 – 1669

Abraham and Isaac

etching (16 × 13 cm) — 1645 Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn biography

This work is linked to Genesis 22:7

To prove his loyalty to God, Abraham is prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. He takes the boy up a mountain; Isaac carries the wood for the fire. At a certain moment Isaac asks where lamb is, which they would need for the sacrifice. Abraham replies that God will provide the lamb. They then continue their journey.

That is how the story is told in Genesis. Rembrandt puts the discussion between father and son at the place where the sacrifice is about to happen. The unsuspecting Isaac has taken the wood off his back.

Rate this work of art: