Abraham

Lorenzo Ghiberti, Sacrifice of Isaac, 1401-1402, gilt bronze quatrefoil relief, 53.34 x 43.18 cm, Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence

Abraham is a biblical hero who communicated directly with God.  In a test of his faith, he was ordered to sacrifice his own son, Isaac.  Just before committing the act, however, he was stopped by an angel, and a ram was killed instead.  As a reward for his faith, Abraham and his descendants are blessed.

While the sacrifice of Isaac is the most popular, Abraham can appear is several other scenes, including the journey to Canaan, and with the three angels or Melchizedek.