Abel Sacrificing to the Lord 1893

Carl Aarsleff made this bronze sculpture of Abel sacrificing to the Lord sometime between 1852 and 1918. Aarsleff lived during a time when many European nations saw their identities tied to the scriptures. His idealized nude figure of Abel with arms outstretched and a sacrificial lamb at his feet, would have been seen as an image of purity and devotion, one that affirmed conventional religious and social values. This sculpture reflects the late 19th century art institutions where religious and mythological subjects were often used to convey moral lessons. It's an example of how artists of the time, like Aarsleff, were influenced by the social expectations of their era. We see how faith, history, and the art world intersected in his artistic choices. Looking closer at the work, using historical texts and studying the art world of the time, we can better grasp the values and norms that shaped Aarsleff’s artistic vision.