The sacrifice of Jephthah's daughter 1722 - 1737

This bronze sculpture, by Massimiliano Soldani, visualizes a story from the Hebrew Bible, specifically the Book of Judges. It depicts the moment when Jephthah is about to sacrifice his daughter to fulfill a vow to God. Soldani, who lived in a society where patriarchal structures often demanded ultimate sacrifice from women, presents us with a scene fraught with tension. Jephthah's muscular physique contrasts sharply with his daughter’s vulnerable form as she is supported by another woman. The sculpture brings into focus the complex intersection of religious devotion, familial duty, and gendered expectations. The emotional weight of the moment is palpable: a father bound by his word, a daughter's life forfeit, and the grief of those witnessing the event. It reminds us to reflect on the cost of rigid belief systems and their impact on individual lives, especially those of women.