Sacrifice of Abraham
1551
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1551
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Sacrifice of Abraham is a 1551 ink by Etienne Delaune, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a dramatic scene with a man on his knees, holding a knife over a bound figure on the ground. Around them, three angels stand in different poses—one holding a staff, another pointing upward, and the third looking down. Animals and a tree frame the action, while swirling clouds and ornate borders fill the background. The text at the bottom reads *"Cum Privilégio Regis"*—meaning it was approved by a king. This detail hints it was meant to impress viewers with its craftsmanship. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like Delaune carved intricate lines into metal to create prints.
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