Published here as a Rembrandt for the first time The Sacrifice of Isaac is revealed as a late large-scale work. Previous discussion on the painting had been limited to those who had not seen it, resulting in a good deal of speculation.

The evolution of Rembrandt's composition is traced through the already known etching of 1655, the roundel in the background of the London Old Man as St. Paul and the drawing at Compiegne. The attribution is supported by overwhelming stylistic and technical evidence, relating the painting.