Abraham and Isaac

The dramatic biblical scene of Abraham and Isaac, created by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, in 1645, represents a high point in the artist's graphic output. This expressive image is executed using etching combined with the demanding technique of drypoint on white laid paper. The artist meticulously utilized the drypoint needle to scratch directly into the copper plate, resulting in rich, burred lines that hold heavy ink. This technique creates the characteristic velvety darkness essential to the scene’s dramatic intensity.

As a quintessential figure of the Dutch Golden Age in the Netherlands, Rembrandt frequently explored religious subjects, utilizing intense contrasts of light and shadow (chiaroscuro) to heighten the psychological impact of his narratives. The print captures the terrifying and miraculous moment from Genesis 22:10 where Abraham prepares to follow God’s command to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Rembrandt focuses intently on the emotional exchange, depicting the angel’s sudden intervention, the terror and resignation of the young man, and the profound anguish of the patriarch.

Dating to the mid-1640s, this celebrated work showcases the subtlety the artist achieved in his prints, particularly in the delicate interplay between etched and drypoint lines. The detailed rendering of expressions and the technical mastery evident firmly establish this piece as one of the great graphic arts achievements of the period. This important print is classified within the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, and due to its historical status and age, reproductions and study materials are often available through public domain resources.