Created circa 1964 in France, “The Sacrifice of Isaac” is a captivating work of art by Marc Chagall that employs pastel and pencil on paper. Measuring 32.5 by 25 centimeters, the artwork emerges from the Naïve Art movement, specifically Primitivism, and is categorized as a sketch and study. This piece conveys the profound biblical narrative through Chagall’s expressive and unconventional style.
The artwork depicts the dramatic moment from the biblical story where Abraham is about to sacrifice his son Isaac as a test of his faith, before an angel intervenes. The rapid, vibrant strokes of color create an image that is both abstract and figurative. An angelic figure seems to swoop down from above, captured in a flurry of pastel that suggests sudden movement and the urgency of the moment. Below, the figures of Abraham and Isaac are dramatized with bold lines and subdued color. The sense of tension and the emotional gravity of the scene are palpable, as conveyed by the artist’s energetic application of media and the dynamic composition that guides the viewer’s eye around the work. The artwork embodies a mix of solemnity and a dream-like quality, characteristic of Chagall’s approach to Biblical themes.
