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Ola Cohn

Abraham

  • Artist
    Ola Cohn
  • Born
    1892
  • Died
    1964
  • Title
    Abraham
  • Date of Production
    c.1952
  • Medium
    wood
  • Dimensions
    610 x 363 x 250 mm
  • Credit Details
    George Crouch Prize, 1952

Born in Bendigo, Ola Cohn studied at the School of Mines Bendigo under A. T. Woodward and at Swinburne Technical College before attending the Royal College of Arts London where she studied under the sculptor Henry Moore and at the London School of Arts and Crafts.  In 1930 Cohn returned to Australia where she continued to sculpt but also took up teaching.

In 1952 Ola Cohn became the first sculptor to win the Crouch prize with this rendering of the Old Testament patriarch Abraham.  Carved from mountain ash, the work features Abraham, the 'first to turn to God' cradling his son Isaac, whom he is willing to offer as a sacrifice at the Lord's command.

With its simple and formal treatment that shows an understanding and respect for the medium, Abraham was chosen by the judge Louis McCubbin for "its fine concept and beautiful execution".