In painting, print and embroidery, the three fathers of the nation and their exploits have been a source of inspiration to many artists. The angels' visit to the tent of Abraham, the binding of Isaac and the dream of Jacob are some examples of scenes from their lives that have received artistic representation. Not only do the different techniques indicate diversity, but also the identity of the artists and the context of their works. The print depicting Jacob's dream is the work of a Christian artist, the illustration of Abraham and the angels is taken from the Passover Haggadah from Vienna, while the embroidery depicting the binding of Isaac is of Italian Jewish origin.
The three messengers of God visiting Abraham and Sarah
Illustration from a Haggadah
Vienna, Austria, 1749
Ink and watercolor on parchment
Gift of Nora Aviad, 1987
1411 ON
The three angels visit the tent of Abraham and Sarah
Illustration from the Passover Haggadah
Vienna, Austria, 1749
Handwriting, ink, gold and watercolor on parchment
Gift of Nora Aviad, 1987
1411 ON
Embroider image depicting the binding of Isaac
The 18th century
Silk fabric and threads
ON 0491
An embroidered picture depicting the binding of Isaac
the 18th century
Silk fabric and silk threads
ON 0491