Abraham and Isaac

Artist Rembrandt van Rijn (Leiden, Netherlands, 1606 - 1669)

Date1645

Mediumetching on paper

ClassificationsPrints

DimensionsPlate Size: Height: 16.4 cm, Width: 13.3 cm

AcquisitionInnes Gift, 1921.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG006812

Keywords

About MeThese are both authentic Rembrandt etchings but probably not printed in the artist's lifetime. Both printed from the same plate, the prints differ in tone - the one on the right, being more atmospheric than the other, is probably the earlier impression. The print on the left has stronger black lines around Abraham's turban which suggests this area may have been re-worked by the printer.

Rembrandt's prints seldom reproduce his own paintings. Although he did later paint this subject, the composition is entirely different. The etching illustrates the most emotionally charged moment of the Old Testament story, when Abraham tells his son that God has ordered his sacrifice. Rembrandt has arranged the composition around the pivotal gesture of the father, who points to God with his upraised finger.
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This work is one of two authentic Rembrandt prints from the same plate in the collection, though not printed during his lifetime. They differ slightly in tone, indicating that they were not made during the same session.