Brussels, 1719
My Dearest Sofie,
I have just read the most inspirational Bible story. I am sure you are familiar with it. I speak of the tale in Genesis of Abraham's sacrifice of his son Isaac. It has been so long since I have read this story, and the faithfulness of Abraham struck me so much upon reading it again that I feel the need to express my emotions in a sculpture. You know how I can be when I am inspired to create something. If I may, I would like to describe it for you, so that you may offer your opinion of what the finished work will be.

This passage calls to me on so many levels, I am astounded. This may be my greatest work to date. I have decided to use terra cotta to display this scene of Abraham's anguish. Do you not think that the hardness of the clay will help to demonstrate the fortitude of Abraham's impending decision and his stalwart spirit for following the Lord's command? I know you are asking right now if I am going to paint the terra cotta. My answer is no. I wish this piece to be simple, yet powerful. I do not plan for a great amount of detail in the sculpture, for there is not an abundance of detail in the Scripture passage, but also because this must focus on three aspects of the scene: the angel, one of Isaac's bound arms, and Abraham's arm holding Isaac. Do you think this is too much to place in one work? I am hoping to make viewers realize how each character has different thoughts and goals.

I plan to call attention to the angel because the angel represents God the Almighty in this story. Although the text makes no mention of an angel, I believe he must be present, for the impending tragedy of the scene requires some physical presence to interrupt the sacrifice. I think I will make his head protrude, to show that the words God speaks through the angel are crucial. His call, "Abraham, Abraham" must be heard through the art. This is not enough, is it? I need a physical connection for viewers to grasp the angel's significance. I will not have him touch Abraham, for of course this is impossible, but he will use his hands to make the connection that the One above wishes the sword to stop. This might blur the distinction between the angel as God or simply an intermediary, but this is a risk I am willing to take.

I feel somewhat sorry for Isaac in this story. He is nearly killed by his father, even though it seems as if Abraham loves Isaac more than anything. Isaac is the sacrificial lamb for much of the story, so I think I will place him nearest to the ram God provides in his place. I am planning to make Isaac seem as a teenage boy, not unlike our own son, Adam. This will enable me to emphasize his bound arm. I will sculpt a muscular arm of a teenage boy, an arm showing no signs of distress, but rather of acceptance. Isaac must consent to whatever test God gives him just as Abraham does. Do you agree? I think this is important, for we are as much descendants of Isaac as we are descendants of Abraham.

As for Abraham, I think he is the central figure in this story, so I will place him in the center of the frame. I am taking a stand that the knife is not the vital tool in Abraham's possession, but rather his hand grasping his son to hold him still. I interpret this from what the angel says in verse 12: "Do not lay your hand on the boy." I believe he is saying not to touch the boy in preparation of killing him. Thus I will highlight Abraham's arm grasping Isaac's hair. I know how you always think facial expressions are important, so I will give Abraham a look of one who is interrupted from his task. His faith enables him to almost kill his only son, so I will show no sign of distress in him, but rather surprise at being interrupted. His eyes, too, shall be important. In the Bible verse 14, Abraham names the mountain "the Lord will see." Abraham is also seeing, so his eyes must be opened so that he can see as well.

I could not imagine Abraham's horror at having to kill his own son. I could never bring myself to perform such an action. What a man of faith Abraham must have been to intend to carry out this act. I am just thinking now that I will title this picture "The Sacrifice of Abraham." After all, Abraham is prepared to sacrifice his only son, his only chance at descendants, to God. He is really sacrificing all that he has ever asked from God. I can show this symbolically by placing Abraham as if he is over the pyre as well. This can show the dual sacrifice message to viewers.

So Sofie, this is my plan for my newest creation. I hope you will write back soon to tell me what you think. You know that when I am struck with an idea, I need to find your opinion on what I am undertaking. Your judgment matters greatly to me. I pray that things are going well for you and Adam in Paris. When do you expect to be home? I miss you constantly.

Much Love,
Jan

*This letter is based on the Biblical passage in Genesis 22:1-19 from the Catholic Study Bible and also the work "The Sacrifice of Abraham" by Jan Baptiste Van der Haeghen.