Sacrifice of a Ram
1626
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1626
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Sacrifice of a Ram is a 1626 ink by Pierre Brebiette, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This etching shows a group of figures in flowing robes and draped cloths, gathered in a grand indoor space with columns and arches. Some hold musical instruments, others wave ribbons or gesture dramatically. One figure in the center wears a crown-like headdress, while others dance or kneel around a small table with a ram on it. The scene feels busy but orderly, with careful lines and shading. The ram on the table hints this might be a moment from a story—likely a religious or mythological sacrifice. The artist used fine lines to create depth and movement, which was tricky to do in this medium. Next, check out etching to see how artists like Brebiette made prints like this.
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