"What Abimelech Saw" by Candice Raquel Lee

What Abimelech Saw (edition of 8), bronze
Size (in): 6H x 10" diameter black marble base; weight: 10 lbs. $1200 CAD including shipping.

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The Sculpture:To me, Isaac is the most earthy and physical of the three Hebrew patriarchs. Perhaps because he was nearly sacrificed as a child by his father, Abraham, Isaac enjoyed physical pleasures: eating the food his son Esau brought him and cavorting with his wife even when his life was potentially at risk, as my sculpture shows. Almost all depictions of Isaac in art present him bound up and about to be sacrificed, or as an old bearded man. My version emphasizes a different, humanized view of the patriarch in an interesting episode from his life, presenting a new take on a famous figure.

When viewing this piece, one is placed in the voyeuristic position of king Abimelech discovering the true relationship between Isaac and his supposed sister. Almost all depictions of Isaac in art present him either bound up and about to be sacrificed or as an old bearded man. My version emphasizes a different, humanized view of the patriarch in an interesting episode from his life, presenting a new perspective on a famous figure.

More than this, my work represents a balanced and equal relationship between marital partners. Rebecca is equally active in the Bible. She sees Isaac first and desires him; later she climbs a mountain alone to speak to God when her pregnancy becomes difficult.

The viewer will notice as well that the passionate and egalitarian relationship of the couple is presented in their body language: hands intertwine with hair, Isaac's big toe curls, Rebecca shifts her weight to her right arm as her legs stretch and fold in the energy of her embrace. Isaac supports Rebecca's weight and she supports his: both are equally active

What Abimelech Saw, which has been compared to Rodin's The Kiss, is my very first work to be made into bronze and is thus highly collectible for this reason alone.

The Story: The Old Testament contains many details of human interest, one of which is the story of how the patriarch Isaac sought to pass off his wife, Rebecca, as his sister when sojourning in the land of the Philistines. He did this because he feared that if he called her his wife, the men of the place would kill him and take Rebecca for themselves. When he had been there for a long time, Abimelech, king of the Philistines, happened to look out of a window and was surprised to see Isaac fondling Rebecca. He called for Isaac and said: "She must certainly be your wife! How could you have said, 'She is my sister'? How could you do this to us! It would have taken very little for one of the men to lie with your wife, and you would have thus brought guilt upon us!" Abimelech therefore gave this warning to all his men: "Anyone who molests this man or his wife shall forthwith be put to death." (adapted from the New American Bible translation of Genesis).

E-mail: candice@candiceraquel.com | Phone: 519.853.9037