Abraham’s Sacrifice

Simeon Solomon

Wood engraving by the Dalziels [1862].

6 7/8 x 5¼ inches

Alex Foley, Art Pictures from the Old Testament, p.23.

A scene from Genesis, xxii: 9–13. God’s test of Abraham’s obedience and faith is dramatically illustrated in this image, which shows the angel’s intervention at the very last moment. The patriarch’s anguished expression contrasts with the angel’s idealised, androgynous face, while Isaac is completely inert. Once again, the figures are enfolded, reassurance of God’s care. The ram is caught in the thicket, a detail presented in Pre-Raphaelite detail.

Click on image to enlarge it.

Scanned image and text by Simon Cooke.

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