Originally in the collections of Villar Mir Cultural Fund, this masterpiece is on display until March 9 as part of the "Guest Piece" program of the museum. The sacrifice of Isaac by Sevillian artist Juan de Valdés Leal (1622-1690), depicts the scene in which, following the will of God, Abraham prepares to sacrifice his son Isaac when he is stopped by an angel who prevents the sacrifice, demonstrating the fidelity of the old Abraham to the dictates of God (Genesis 22, 9-12).

Valdés Leal demonstrates his ability to capture the expressions and gestures, the composition full of drama as if it were a theatrical scene. The episode is set in a landscape background in which we can appreciate melancholic lighting effects that enhance the emotional aspect of the moment. The studied anatomy of Isaac is one of the best nudes by the artist, contrasting his young body with the face of his father, highlighting the tired eyes.

This painter was one of the founders of the Seville Academy of Painting. After a stay in Madrid, he decided to settle in Seville, where he will face competition from Murillo, who held the position of first painter. In 1682, the year of Murillo's death, Valdés Leal becomes the most important painter in Seville. Then he worked decorating various religious buildings in Seville, such as the Charity Hospital, the church of the Monastery of San Clemente and the Church of the Venerable Hospital, until he died in 1690.

Due to the temporary visit of the work in the Museum of Fine Arts of Seville, Professor Enrique Valdivieso will give a series of lectures "Seeing a picture" on 14 February.

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