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A conversation between an older man with long white beard on left and a young adolescent boy on right. 　

The two figures are standing in three quarter view facing each other. The scene is set outside with hints of rock framing foreground left and tree foliage in background.　 The taller bearded man (Abraham) wears a turban-like hat, his left hand is raised at the elbow pointing up as he looks at the boy (Isaac), with his right hand over his heart. The boy looks at the man as he holds a tall bundle of neatly gathered sticks. Both wear layers of loose-fitting robes. Drawn in accurate detail with good contrast and deep shadows.

Identification and Creation

Object Number
2009.86
People
Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn, Dutch (Leiden 1606 - 1669 Amsterdam)
Title
Abraham and Isaac
Classification
Prints
Work Type
print
Date
1645
Places
Creation Place: Europe, Netherlands
Culture
Dutch
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/237231

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Etching and drypoint with light plate tone on white antique laid paper
Technique
Etching and drypoint
Dimensions
plate: 15.6 x 13.1 cm (6 1/8 x 5 3/16 in.)
Inscriptions and Marks
  • inscription: in plate, lower left: Rembrant. / 1645.
  • collector's mark: verso, brown stamp, oval with inscription and crown within double border, with graphite initials within: [British Museum duplicate stamp, Lugt 305] G. W. R.
  • collector's mark: verso, brown stamp, oval made up of stamped lettering and interrupted double line, with stamped accession number within: BRITISH MUSEUM / 1853 10 8 56 [Lugt 303]
  • inscription: verso, various graphite inscriptions: B 34 / Bl 5 / Cl 39 / W 38 / 71528 / This superb impression was sold by the British Museum for [pound sign]42. / 653
  • inscription: verso, brown ink: 32
  • collector's mark: verso, blue stamp with graphite numbering within: [bicuspid shape] 77

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Marjorie Cohn Arlington, MA (September 14 1977-November 2009); gift to Harvard Art Museum.
British Museum.

State, Edition, Standard Reference Number

State
i/ii
Standard Reference Number
New Hollstein 224, Bartsch 34, Hind 214, G. 32, B.-B. 45

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Gift of Marjorie B. Cohn and Martin Cohn in memory of Ruth Boschwitz Benedict
Accession Year
2009
Object Number
2009.86
Division
European and American Art
Contact
am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Commentary
This etching by Rembrandt depicts the heart wrenching moment when Abraham tells his son Isaac of the sacrifice he's been asked to make by God. The composition is designed to provoke the psychological drama of the occasion. The sparse landscape, without definable elements, focuses all attention on the two figures. The viewer's eye is drawn to Abraham's heavenward pointing hand, indicating that the impending deed is God's will. The young boy trustingly listens to his father, even holding the kindling to light the sacrificial fire; and Abraham's knife ominously hangs from his belt. This scene is softened by the delicate etching style and drypoint highlights on Abraham's fur robe and the fringe of Isaac's tunic.

Related Works

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of European and American Art at am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu