Sacrifice of Isaac (DO BZ.1941.7)
This small wooden relief carving shows the biblical story of the Sacrifice of Isaac, specifically the moment when Abraham is told to call off the sacrifice, as he had already proven his devotion to God through his willingness to sacrifice even his own son for the Lord. This piece is an example of Islamic art made in Egypt. Although made under Islamic rule, this relief shows a religious scene that transcended religious strife, being an important moment in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim doctrine. It may have been made for a Christian church in Cairo, Egypt.
