Sacrifice of Isaac

Isaac Broome, known primarily as a ceramic sculptor and porcelain designer, created this striking drawing of the biblical story of Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac. Working in brush and brown ink with wash and white gouache highlights on blue paper, Broome demonstrates considerable skill in creating dramatic tonal contrasts and dimensional forms. The artist achieved recognition in the late 19th century for his work with the Ott & Brewer pottery company in Trenton, New Jersey, where he created elaborate parian porcelain pieces including historical portrait busts and decorative plaques. This drawing represents a departure from his ceramic work, showing his versatility as an artist and his engagement with traditional biblical subject matter that had captivated artists for centuries. The choice of the Sacrifice of Isaac—a test of faith in which Abraham prepares to sacrifice his son before divine intervention—was a popular theme in Western art, allowing artists to explore human emotion, divine will, and the moment of dramatic tension before salvation. Broome's use of heightened whites over the darker washes on blue paper creates luminous effects that emphasize the spiritual drama of the scene.