The Sacrifice of Isaac 1645 - 1691

Lieven Mehus painted this rendition of "The Sacrifice of Isaac" with oil on canvas. The composition swirls around the figures of Abraham, Isaac, an angel, and God, set against a cloudy backdrop. The monochromatic palette emphasizes form and texture, with stark contrasts highlighting emotional intensity. Mehus uses the classical theme to explore the limits of paternal authority and divine intervention. The composition creates tension between the earthly and the divine. Abraham's poised knife meets a last-minute disruption by an angel, sent by God. The dynamic arrangement destabilizes the traditional reading of sacrifice and obedience. Instead, it offers an interpretation that engages with Baroque sensibilities, which often questioned fixed religious meanings. The formal elements of light and shadow contribute to this questioning, casting doubt on the certainty of divine commands.