The Sacrifice of Isaac (1577 – 1578) by Tintoretto

The Sacrifice of Isaac - Tintoretto - 1577 - 1578

Artwork Information

TitleThe Sacrifice of Isaac
ArtistTintoretto
Date1577 - 1578
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions265 x 370 cm
Art MovementMannerism (Late Renaissance)

About The Sacrifice of Isaac

The artwork, titled “The Sacrifice of Isaac,” is a religious painting rendered in oil on canvas by the renowned artist Tintoretto. Created between 1577 and 1578, this masterpiece belongs to the Mannerism movement, which is synonymous with the Late Renaissance period. Measuring 265 by 370 centimeters, the artwork vividly captures the intense biblical scene with dramatic effect.

In the artwork, a powerful moment from the biblical story is depicted with remarkable dynamism and emotion. At the center, Abraham is portrayed poised to sacrifice his son, Isaac, in obedience to what he believes is a divine command. The composition is filled with tension and drama, heightened by the expressive gestures and intense interaction between the figures. Abraham’s outstretched hand holds the knife, while Isaac, bound and vulnerable, leans back on the altar. An angel intervenes at the crucial moment, grasping Abraham’s hand to stop the act, thus representing divine intervention. The rich colors, dramatic lighting, and energetic brushstrokes typical of Tintoretto’s style, contribute to the emotional and visual impact of the scene, emphasizing the themes of faith, obedience, and redemption.

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