The artwork titled “The Sacrifice of Isaac,” created by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1401, is a bronze relief sculpted as part of a competition for the Baptistry Doors in Florence. Crafted during the Early Renaissance, this bronze sculpture is significant for its intricate depiction of a biblical scene. Currently, this masterpiece is housed in the Bargello (Palazzo del Popolo) in Florence, Italy.
The artwork portrays the dramatic moment from the biblical story where Abraham is about to sacrifice his son Isaac, only to be stopped by an angel. The figures are articulated in high relief, with a striking three-dimensionality that brings the narrative to life. Abraham, Isaac, the angel, and a ram caught in a thicket are all depicted with detailed, expressive features and dynamic poses. The composition is framed within a quatrefoil, a design choice that complements the gothic architectural elements of the Baptistry for which it was intended. The artwork captures the tension and divine intervention of the scene, showcasing Brunelleschi’s mastery in rendering human emotion and movement in bronze.
