Caravaggio's Sacrifice of Isaac: Symbolism and Biblical Exegesis
Caravaggio's 1603 painting 'Il sacrificio di Isacco,' housed in the Galleria degli Uffizi in Florence, is analyzed for its layered symbolism and biblical exegesis. Commissioned by Cardinal Maffeo Barberini (future Pope Urban VIII), the work depicts the moment when Abraham is stopped by an angel from sacrificing his son Isaac. The painting includes an alloro tree, emblem of the Barberini family, and an ariete (ram) symbolizing both Jewish Yom Kippur and Christian sacrifice of Christ. The landscape features a church with a baptistery, prefiguring the Catholic Church. The model for Isaac may be Cecco Boneri, who also posed for Caravaggio's 'Amor Vincit Omnia.' The article, by Cinzia Ligas and Fausto Crepaldi, explores how Caravaggio embedded theological messages within naturalistic representation.
Key facts
- Caravaggio painted 'Il sacrificio di Isacco' in 1603.
- The painting is in the Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence.
- It was commissioned by Cardinal Maffeo Barberini.
- The work illustrates Genesis XXII, 1-2 and 12.
- Isaac's head rests on a stone symbolizing the altar of Christ.
- The ram represents the scapegoat and prefigures Christ.
- The alloro tree is an emblem of the Barberini family.
- The model for Isaac may be Cecco Boneri.
Entities
Artists
- Caravaggio
- Cecco Boneri
- Cinzia Ligas
- Fausto Crepaldi
Institutions
- Galleria degli Uffizi
- Accademia dei Lincei
- Artribune
Locations
- Florence
- Italy