The Sacrifice of Abraham

c. 1640/1642

Pietro Testa

Associated Names
Pietro Testa

Artist, Italian, 1612 - 1650

The image depicts a scene with divine and human figures. There is a dominant figure above, surrounded by winged creatures, likely angels, in a heavenly realm with radiating lines indicating divine presence. Below, there are two human figures, one sitting and one kneeling or resting on a rock or platform, engaged in a significant gesture or interaction. The background shows a natural landscape with trees, hills, or mountains, adding depth to the setting. The drawing emphasizes contrasts and detailed line work to convey the drama and emotion of the scene, suggesting movement and divine intervention. The style reflects classical or Renaissance-era religious illustrations, focusing on themes of creation and divinity.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to platemark): 29.6 × 23.6 cm (11 5/8 × 9 5/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1972.65.37

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bartsch, no. 2


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Raffaele Alianello (1908-1988), Andria (Bari), Rome & Naples (Lugt 5k)

Associated Names

Bibliography

1802

  • Bartsch, Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna, 1802-1821: Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna: J.V. Degen, 1802-1821.

1988

  • Cropper, Elizabeth. Pietro Testa 1612 - 1650: Prints and Drawings. Philadelphia, 1988: no. 71

Inscriptions

recto: none; verso: at bottom right, in brown ink, in later hand: no:416:

Markings

recto: none; verso: Collezione Alianello (Lugt 5k)

Wikidata ID

Q65576291

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