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Abraham, ca. 1408–10
Lorenzo Monaco (Piero di Giovanni) (Italian, Florentine, active 1390–1423)
Tempera on wood, gold ground; Overall 26 x 16 7/8 in. (66 x 42.9 cm); painted surface 22 7/8 x 16 5/8 in. (58.1 x 42.2 cm)
Gwynne Andrews Fund, and Gift of G. Louise Robinson, by exchange, 1965 (65.14.1)

These exceptionally well-preserved panels show Old Testament prophets: Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac prefigures the sacrifice of Christ, and Noah's ark prefigures the church. The function of these four paintings, possibly as flanking elements of an altarpiece, has been debated. They are among the finest works of Lorenzo Monaco, who at the time they were painted (about 1408–10) was the leading master in Florence. They betray his admiration for the sculpture that Donatello and Nanni di Banco were creating for the cathedral of Florence in these years.

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    • Abraham, ca. 1408–10
    Lorenzo Monaco (Piero di Giovanni) (Italian, Florentine, active 1390–1423)
    Tempera on wood, gold ground; Overall 26 x 16 7/8 in. (66 x 42.9 cm); painted surface 22 7/8 x 16 5/8 in. (58.1 x 42.2 cm)
    Gwynne Andrews Fund, and Gift of G. Louise Robinson, by exchange, 1965 (65.14.1)