“However, on his return, it is his daughter who rushes out in welcome.
“Realising the tragic mistake he has made, he upholds his vow and sacrifices his child.”
Speaking about his portrait Mr Ben-Cnaan said: “Unified by the blinding light, all the objects in the picture become one.
“The tension imminent in the moment of realisation of the horrible price one must pay is reflected in the composition.
“The rough wall and rugged gravel echo the grittiness and grief in Guy's (Jephthah's) character, whilst the fig tree, casting an ominous shadow, presages Annabelle’s fate.
“Her strong posture reflects her own resolve and her role, in both the story and in Guy’s life, in carrying his burdens and misfortune.
“Being just a child, Annabelle attempts to process her tragic fate.”
Mr Ben-Cnaan, who is from the north of Israel, and studied fine arts at Haifa University, was presented with a £30,000 prize and a further commission from the National Portrait Gallery worth £5,000.
The award-winning portrait can be seen at the National Portrait Gallery from Thursday 18 June when the BP Portrait Award 2015 exhibition opens to the public.
