1571
chalk
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Sacrifice of Abraham is a 1571 chalk by Alessandro Allori, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a chaotic scene with lots of movement. In the center, a man in robes is holding a knife over a figure on the ground, who looks like he’s being stopped at the last second. Around them, other people and animals are scattered—some running, some watching. The background has a small village and a few trees, but the focus is on the dramatic moment in the middle. The artist used quick, sketchy lines and shading to show action and emotion. The ink is layered, giving some areas a darker, almost smudged look. This wasn’t meant to be a polished painting—it’s more like a rough draft full of energy. Next, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build depth with lines.
Alessandro di Cristofano di Lorenzo del Bronzino Allori (Florence, 31 May 1535 – 22 September 1607) was an Italian painter of the late Mannerist Florentine school.
See the richer artist pageYour cart is empty
Explore artworks →
