The Sacrifice of Isaac
Relief
1679 (made)
1679 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Ivory was popular as a material for religious subjects, especially during the 17th and 18th centuries. Spanish and Portuguese patrons imported ivories carved with Christian imagery from their territories overseas, such as the Philippines, Mexico and Goa. German and Netherlandish artists were renowned for their dexterity in ivory carving. Their reliefs are masterpieces of composition and virtuosity. Abraham was commanded by God to sacrifice his only son Isaac as a test of his faith. Just as he was about to strike his son, God released him and provided a ram for the sacrifice.
This relief is made by Balthasar Griessmann in 1679.
For many years Griessmann (ca. 1620-1706) was known only as the Monogrammist 'B.G.'. In recent years his identity has been established by Franz Wagner, who established from documentary sources that Griessmann worked in Vienna and Salzburg, concentrating on ivory vessels and dishes, although he also worked in stone and horn. Many of his ivory relief depend from South Netherlandish engraved sources, and have a distinctive figural style, crowed with small figures, often with windswept hair, and charming genre details. He may have trained in the Netherlands.
In the relief both Abraham and Isaac have hair formed of curly ringlets, which is typical of the work of Griessmann. This is the last known dated work by the artist. The composition may partly derive from a woodcut by Jörg Breu the Younger.
This relief is made by Balthasar Griessmann in 1679.
For many years Griessmann (ca. 1620-1706) was known only as the Monogrammist 'B.G.'. In recent years his identity has been established by Franz Wagner, who established from documentary sources that Griessmann worked in Vienna and Salzburg, concentrating on ivory vessels and dishes, although he also worked in stone and horn. Many of his ivory relief depend from South Netherlandish engraved sources, and have a distinctive figural style, crowed with small figures, often with windswept hair, and charming genre details. He may have trained in the Netherlands.
In the relief both Abraham and Isaac have hair formed of curly ringlets, which is typical of the work of Griessmann. This is the last known dated work by the artist. The composition may partly derive from a woodcut by Jörg Breu the Younger.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | The Sacrifice of Isaac (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Ivory |
| Brief description | Relief, ivory, The Sacrifice of Isaac, by Balthasar Griessmann, Austrian, dated 1679 |
| Physical description | Against a backdrop of trees and rocks, Isaac kneels on a stack of logs facing a large tree, his hands clasped. Beside him sits a small dog. The bearded Abraham wearing a flowing robe and sandals raises his sword as if to strike and is about to sacrifice Isaac. The blow is stayed by an angel descending from a cloud, who clutches the sword blade. A lantern is placed on the further side of the brazier. Abraham's hat is on the ground at the lower left. The right hand of the composition is dominated by a large tree trunk, the gnarled bark of which has parallels with other works by Griessmann. A squirrel and birds nestle in the tree's branches. Signed on one of the rocks 'B.G.'. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | 'B.G.' (On one of the rocks to the right.) |
| Credit line | Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA |
| Object history | Given by Dr. W. L. Hildburgh, F. S. A. |
| Production | Signed with the monogram B.G. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Ivory was popular as a material for religious subjects, especially during the 17th and 18th centuries. Spanish and Portuguese patrons imported ivories carved with Christian imagery from their territories overseas, such as the Philippines, Mexico and Goa. German and Netherlandish artists were renowned for their dexterity in ivory carving. Their reliefs are masterpieces of composition and virtuosity. Abraham was commanded by God to sacrifice his only son Isaac as a test of his faith. Just as he was about to strike his son, God released him and provided a ram for the sacrifice. This relief is made by Balthasar Griessmann in 1679. For many years Griessmann (ca. 1620-1706) was known only as the Monogrammist 'B.G.'. In recent years his identity has been established by Franz Wagner, who established from documentary sources that Griessmann worked in Vienna and Salzburg, concentrating on ivory vessels and dishes, although he also worked in stone and horn. Many of his ivory relief depend from South Netherlandish engraved sources, and have a distinctive figural style, crowed with small figures, often with windswept hair, and charming genre details. He may have trained in the Netherlands. In the relief both Abraham and Isaac have hair formed of curly ringlets, which is typical of the work of Griessmann. This is the last known dated work by the artist. The composition may partly derive from a woodcut by Jörg Breu the Younger. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.50-1949 |
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| Record created | January 13, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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