Rome, ca. 350 to 430 CE. Fragments like this one are few and far between! A very rare redware pottery fragment depicting the Sacrifice of Isaac, the story from the Book of Genesis in which God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son to prove his faith. He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." (Genesis 22:1-19). So Abraham arose early the next morning, prepared his donkey, and ventured to Mount Moriah with his son. After binding Isaac to an altar, an angel of God miraculously halted Abraham's hand and said, "now I know you fear God." Abraham passed the test of loyalty and sacrificed a nearby ram instead. On this small fragment, we see this story come to life through the iconography. Look closely and you will see Abraham looking away while holding Isaac, at the precise moment when he is about to sacrifice his son. Quite dramatic! Size: 2.25" L x 4.25" H (5.7 cm x 10.8 cm). Acquired at Harlan Berk, Ltd.
