Cain Killing Abel
Medium
engraving on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 20.5 × 27.6 cm (8 1/16 × 10 7/8 in.) sheet: 21 × 27.8 cm (8 1/4 × 10 15/16 in.), trimmed within platemark on left
Classification
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of Ramon Osuna
Accession Number
2018.209.5
Art Historical Context
In the National Gallery of Art's print collection, *Cain Killing Abel* (1576) is a striking engraving by Flemish artist Jan Sadeler I, faithfully reproducing a design by Michael de Coxcij. This dramatic biblical scene from Genesis captures the moment of fratricide, Cain slays his brother Abel in a fit of jealousy over God's favor. Sadeler, part of a renowned family of engravers, masterfully translates Coxcij's composition—likely from a painting—into intricate lines on laid paper, measuring about 20.5 × 27.6 cm. Engraving, a precise intaglio technique where metal plates are incised and inked, ...