The Sacrifice of Isaac
Cameo
ca. 1700 (made)
ca. 1700 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Shell cameos are much easier to cut than those made from gemstones. Also, the raw material is cheaper and easier to acquire. They were popular in the 16th century and then again in the 18th and 19th centuries, when the passion for carved gemstones led to a parallel explosion in the market for cheaper shell cameos. They are still popular today. The scene is taken from the Old Testament story in which God tests Abraham’s loyalty and obedience. It shows Abraham before a ritual altar, about to sacrifice his only son, Isaac.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | The Sacrifice of Isaac (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Shell, with wax restoration |
| Brief description | Shell cameo depicting the sacrifice of Isaac, French, ca. 1700 |
| Credit line | Given by Dr W.L. Hildburgh FSA |
| Object history | Given by Dr W.L Hildburgh, F.S.A. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Shell cameos are much easier to cut than those made from gemstones. Also, the raw material is cheaper and easier to acquire. They were popular in the 16th century and then again in the 18th and 19th centuries, when the passion for carved gemstones led to a parallel explosion in the market for cheaper shell cameos. They are still popular today. The scene is taken from the Old Testament story in which God tests Abraham’s loyalty and obedience. It shows Abraham before a ritual altar, about to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.18-1937 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | January 12, 2004 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
