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This dramatic scene is inspired by a well-known episode in the Book of Genesis, when God tests Abraham’s faith by ordering him to sacrifice Isaac, his only son. In Piazzetta’s painting Abraham picks up a knife, just visible in his clenched hand, and stares wide-eyed towards heaven as if steeling himself to accept God’s command. An angel rushes towards Abraham, placing a hand on his shoulder in an attempt to stop him carrying out this act. Isaac is placed beneath them, his body limp as he cowers in fear. Painted in around 1735, this picture was probably intended as an altarpiece but was left unfinished. The only completed area is Abraham’s head, which is damaged, although his red coat and the archangel’s yellow vestment, feathery wings and torso are faintly painted in.
Title
The Sacrifice of Isaac
Date
probably after 1735
Medium
Oil on canvas
Measurements
H 201.2 x W 133.4 cm
Accession number
NG3163
Acquisition method
Presented by Sir Robert Witt through The Art Fund, 1917
Work type
Painting
The National Gallery, London
Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England
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