Artwork
Abraham Sacrificing His Son Isaac
Abraham Sacrificing His Son Isaac is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Giambattista Pittoni. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
About this work
Overview
Abraham Sacrificing His Son Isaac is a painting executed in oil on canvas by Giambattista Pittoni, a Venetian artist active in the 18th century.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates the biblical narrative of Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac, conveying a moment of high emotional and dramatic tension as Abraham is about to strike his son, who is restrained on a pile of logs.
Technique & Style
Rendered in a decorative and expressive style, the work features characteristic Rococo elements, with a focus on vivid depiction and emotional intensity, as seen in the figures' poses and the atmospheric landscape.
Context
The painting reflects Pittoni's involvement with Venetian cultural institutions, including his role as a founding member and later president of the Academy of Fine Arts of Venice, highlighting his significance within the Venetian art scene.
Artist & collection
Artist
Giambattista Pittoni or Giovanni Battista Pittoni (6 June 1687 – 6 November 1767) was a Venetian painter of the late Baroque or Rococo period.
The Angels Appearing to Abraham
The Sacrifice of Isaac, Tobias and the Angel, The Angels Appearing to Abraham, Abraham Welcoming the Three Angels (painting series)
Isaac's offering
The Sacrifice of Isaac
The Vision of Saint Jerome
Scenes from the Life of Saint Arianus
Study for "An Apotheosis of a Saint" (for San Bernardino dei Morti, Milan)