Sacrifice of Isaac c. 17th century

This small drawing, attributed to Giovanni Andrea de' Ferrari, was created with red chalk on paper. The red chalk, also known as sanguine, lends a warmth and immediacy to the scene. It allows for a rich tonality, built through layers of hatching. Chalk is a relatively direct medium, and you can see this in the artist's vigorous lines, quickly capturing the drama of the moment. The angel is intervening just in time to stop Abraham from sacrificing his son Isaac. The soft, earthy quality of the chalk emphasizes the humanity of the figures. The artist’s attention to the textures and forms reminds us that even in a scene of high drama, the act of creation is rooted in the physical world. Ultimately, this drawing invites us to consider the skill and labor involved in its creation. The artist's direct engagement with the material, from the selection of the chalk to the application on paper, demonstrates how craft and fine art are deeply intertwined.