Marc Chagall

Estate of the artist

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Meret Meyer, on behalf of the Comité Chagall, dated 15 December 2021.

The Sacrifice d'Abraham is a work on paper that builds upon two previous works by Chagall: Abraham prêt à immoler son fils, 1931 and Sacrifice d’Isaac, 1966. The latter piece utilises colour and negative space in a similar fashion to the present work.

This work on paper projects a mysterious quality, achieved through the deliberate use of negative space around the sacrificial action, accentuating the dynamism of the raised knife. Equally, this ethereal quality is caused by Chagall’s application of ‘sacred geometry,' which imparts a dreamlike effect to the figures through their transparency.

In the background, behind the angel comforting Abraham, another angel delivers the ram that will be slaughtered in place of Isaac – a reward from God for Abraham’s pious obedience.

Vitebsk and its residents are depicted in the upper-left third of the work, distinguishable by the distinct roofline and the Star of David on one of the buildings. They are portrayed in a palette of browns and greys, setting them apart from the religious scene depicted in green. Regardless of this, the city and its residents are still blessed, with three angels flying overhead, presenting bouquets of flowers.