Artwork

Abraham and Isaac by the Altar

Abraham and Isaac by the Altar, by Unknown, unspecified, 1750
Abraham and Isaac by the Altar, by Unknown, unspecified, 1750

Abraham and Isaac by the Altar is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1750 by the artist identified as 814_person, the work titled Abraham and Isaac by the Altar is an oil painting in the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The composition presents a solemn biblical moment, rendered with careful attention to costume and setting, and conveys a quiet, contemplative mood.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows a man in flowing robes and a turban cradling a barefoot child in a white garment, both positioned beside an altar. A sword and a vessel lie on the ground, suggesting the narrative of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac, a test of faith central to the Judeo‑Christian tradition.

Technique & Style

The artist employs a restrained palette of earth tones and muted blues, allowing the figures to emerge from a softly lit interior. Detailed rendering of fabric folds and the texture of the stone wall contrast with the diffuse, cloudy sky in the background, creating depth while maintaining a calm, reverent atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Attributed to 814_person, the painting dates to the mid‑18th century and has been part of the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings for an unspecified period. Its provenance prior to museum acquisition is not documented, but its thematic focus aligns with the artist’s broader interest in religious devotion and moral exempla.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known