The Binding of Isaac

In The Binding of Isaac, Kopel Gurwin captures the dramatic climax of one of the Bible’s most profound and unsettling narratives. Abraham, knife in hand, stands poised to sacrifice his son, while an angel descends from heaven, arms outstretched, to arrest the fatal act. Nearby, a ram appears entangled in the thicket, foreshadowing the sacrifice that will spare Isaac’s life.

The scene unfolds within an oval medallion, embraced by an exuberant ornamental border. Intricate floral and foliate patterns, rendered in deep cobalt, ultramarine, and luminous turquoise, create a richly textured blue framework around the central drama. Within it, vivid greens, radiant pinks, purples, and delicate whites animate the figures, their expressive gestures heightened by the meticulous cutting and layering of felt.

Beneath the figures, the biblical passage is incorporated into the composition through Gurwin’s distinctive Hebrew letterforms. Flowing across the landscape in undulating bands, the inscription transcends its role as written text, becoming an integral part of the work’s visual rhythm and ornamental language.

The verses from Genesis 22:11–12 recount the angel’s intervention at the decisive instant, when Abraham’s faith is tested and the command to sacrifice gives way to the preservation of life. Through his singular fusion of biblical narrative, bold color, and intricate felt craftsmanship, Gurwin transforms this moment of profound tension into an image of extraordinary vitality.