"Men Isaak kunde ikke forstaae ham,..." Isak omfavner Abraham. Illustration til Stemning af Søren Kierkegaards "Frygt og bæven" 1891 - 1895

Malthe Engelsted created this illustration to Søren Kierkegaard's "Frygt og bæven" using etching techniques on paper. The scene is immediately striking for its stark composition: Abraham embraces Isaac within a rectangular frame, flanked by stylized cacti, set against a backdrop of softly rendered hills. The limited palette of monochromatic inks accentuates the linear quality of the work, where each stroke defines form and emotion. Engelsted's illustration draws heavily on the thematic tension present in Kierkegaard's work—faith versus reason. The cacti framing the central figures introduces a semiotic system, perhaps symbolizing the harsh, unyielding nature of divine command. The posture of Isaac, kneeling and vulnerable, juxtaposed with Abraham’s firm embrace, encapsulates the complex dynamic of obedience and sacrifice. The overall structure invites the viewer to consider not only the biblical narrative but also the broader existential questions posed by Kierkegaard. This piece destabilizes a straightforward reading of religious devotion, positioning it within a discourse of individual angst and ethical dilemma.