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 |
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Record created | January 12, 2004 |
Record URL |
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