Left: Whole window. Right: Closer view of the sacrificial ram.
Abraham and Isaac, Romsey Abbey, Hampshire, by Ward and Hughes. This is the sixth window in the south aisle of the church. It shows the very moment when the angel stops Abraham from plunging the knife into his son, saying, "Lay not thy hand upon the lad" (Genesis 22, 12). Liz Hallett writes, "Note the angel’s wings — orange, gold, green & purple!" Isaac, his hands clasped in prayer and his head obediently bowed, seems prepared for the sacrifice. The ram, however, depicted here in detail, seems peacefully asleep and utterly oblivious of its fate. The colourful floral surround makes a cheerful frame, and sun reflected beautifully from it at the time this photograph was taken.
Photographs by parish historian Liz Hallett, who also contributed to the text, as shown. Text and formatting by Jacqueline Banerjee. You may use these images without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the photographer and (2) link your document to this URL in a web document or cite the Victorian Web in a print one. Click on the images to enlarge them.
Related Material
- Romsey Abbey (this gives links to other stained glass windows there)
- Nathaniel Westlake's stained glass window in All Saint's Kingston-upon-Thames, depicting episodes (including this one) in the life of Abraham
Bibliography
Eberhard, Robert. "Stained Glass Windows in the Church." Church Stained Glass Windows. Web. 25 May 2019.
Created 26 May 2019