The Sacrifice of Isaac
36″ x 48″ oil/canvas
Human sacrifice is the subject of this painting. It is and has been demanded by the gods, shamans, nations, religious sects, gangs, cults. Motivated by the human desire for transcendence, for belonging and acclimation it is validated by sacred rituals, initiations, burials, ceremonies of remembrance, metals of honor.
The hero, often young, aspires to a life of meaning and sacrifices himself for his community. But when warrior nations call upon the youth to fight in wars of aggression, the society is practicing human sacrifice and corrupts the national moral fabric.