Who painted Abraham opfert Isaak?

Abraham opfert Isaak was painted by Antonio Balestra in 1703.

Where can I see Abraham opfert Isaak?

Abraham opfert Isaak is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Abraham opfert Isaak?

Abraham opfert Isaak is associated with High Baroque Italian.

Artwork

Abraham opfert Isaak

Antonio Balestra , 1703

Abraham opfert Isaak is an unspecified painting by the High Baroque Italian artist Antonio Balestra. It dates from 1703 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Antonio Balestra’s 1703 oil painting, titled Abraham opfert Isaak, depicts a pivotal biblical episode in which Abraham prepares to sacrifice his son Isaac. Executed in the early eighteenth century, the work belongs to the religious genre and is part of the collection of the Alte Pinakothek in Munich.

Subject & Meaning

The composition captures the moment before the intended sacrifice: Abraham, cloaked and solemn, leans over a sleeping Isaac, who lies on his side with an outstretched arm. The scene conveys themes of obedience, faith, and divine testing, reflecting the narrative’s moral and theological significance within the Judeo‑Christian tradition.

Technique & Style

Balestra employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, contrasting deep shadows with luminous highlights on the figures’ forms. The dark, indistinct background isolates the subjects, while the sharp modeling of the cloak and flesh creates a convincing three‑dimensional effect. The handling of light and shade underscores the emotional tension of the moment.

History & Provenance

Created in 1703, the painting entered the Alte Pinakothek’s holdings, where it remains on display. Its acquisition history is documented through the museum’s records, confirming its attribution to Balestra and its status as a representative work of early‑18th‑century Italian religious painting.