Abraham and Isaac (Bartsch 34; New Hollstein 224)
Etching, 1645, a fine impression of New Hollstein’s first state of two, with the archway complete, with touches of burr on the hem of Isaac’s coat, on laid, with a partial Strasbourg Lily watermark, with thread margins above and along part of the right edge, otherwise trimmed to the platemark, set into a large piece of laid, 157 x 130mm (6 1/8 x 5 1/8in)
This is the first of two scenes in which Rembrandt depicted different aspects of the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac. Here Abraham beckons his son with his hand raised heavenward indicating that his sacrifice is a result of obedience to God. Etching and burin work combined with selective wiping of the plate produce an atmospheric scene which conveys the emotional dilemma. The story would have had a personal meaning for Rembrandt who had suffered the loss of three children in infancy and would also have resonated with the local Protestant population who had absolute faith in God. More on this Etching…
Zaidan Gallery 
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