
Orazio Gentileschi
The Sacrifice of Isaac, 1615
Galleria Nazionale della Liguria, Genoa
Palazzo Spinola
Here is a father following what he thought were the right steps,the loyal and true choice. The angel from God comes to him. To stop him. He is startled. Abraham is taken back. Isaac submits. His eyes are closed as if in prayer, relaxed hand on his leg. Squatting down to allow his father easier access to his throat.
The angel's arm is wrapped with purpose around the arm of Abraham. The angel is directing Abraham to the sky. Abraham is looking at the angel from God with the expression of one glancing up from their work. He is interrupted.
Observation of the human condition. Understanding not only the feeling of the loyal servant but also expressing this in the image Gentileschi produces a pregnancy of the moment. The manner Gentileschi rendered Abraham as the hinge between Isaac and the angel from God is stunning. I feel each time I look at this image that I am at once collaborating with the angel and a self conscious observer of a deeply private realization for Abraham.
Recent Comments