Abraham Caressing Isaac (I/IV)

The figure of Abraham holds an important place in Christianity, Judaism and Islam. When he is ninety-nine, Abraham receives a visit from three angels who announce that his wife Sarah will bear him a son the following year, whom she names Isacc. Soon after comes the most important test of Abraham's faith, when God asks him to sacrifice Isaac. As Abraham is about to strike Isaac with a sacrificial knife, God, satisfied with Abraham's obedience, sends an angel to stop him.

Rembrandt depicted the sacrifice of Isaac in a number of dramatic paintings, drawings and etchings, but here he portrays a more homely moment, with a young, laughing Isaac holding an orange and leaning on his aged father, who is stroking his face. Both father and son are dressed in sumptuous clothing, Abraham in a fur-trimmed cloak and Isaac in a long, tasselled coat. Commentators have identified this scene, which takes place outdoors, with the moment immediately before Abraham is made to send away his other son, Ishmael. This would account for the contrast between Isaac's carefree demeanour and Abraham's sombre appearance. The way Rembrandt has lit the scene draws attention to Abraham's eyes, staring gravely straight at the viewer.