Abraham's Sacrifice

"Abraham's Sacrifice," created by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn) in 1655, is a masterful and dramatic example of 17th-century Dutch printmaking. Executed using the challenging mediums of etching and drypoint, this powerful work captures the dramatic climax of the biblical narrative found in Genesis 22. Rembrandt utilizes dense cross-hatching and varied line work to achieve profound contrasts, characteristic of his mature style during the late Baroque period.

The composition focuses intensely on the emotional and physical tension of the moment. We see the elderly Abraham, one of the central Men depicted, poised to obey the divine command to sacrifice his son, Isaac. An Angel intervenes dramatically, descending from the upper left to grasp Abraham’s wrist and halt the descent of the sacrificial Knife. Rembrandt renders the faces of Abraham and Isaac with raw emotional intensity, highlighting Abraham’s shock and the angel's urgent necessity. The sharp detailing achieved through the drypoint technique emphasizes the texture of the cloth and the sudden, violent energy of the scene.

This piece demonstrates Rembrandt's unparalleled skill as a printmaker, where the subtle nuances of light and shadow are manipulated to create deep psychological penetration. Unlike his earlier, oil-based treatment of the subject, this 1655 etching shows the master focusing on internalized drama. As a major work from the artist’s later career, this print holds significant art historical value, showcasing the artist’s sustained genius in both prints and paintings. The work is currently housed within the distinguished collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, with high-quality images of this classic Rembrandt etching often made available through the public domain.