The descendants of Aaron the kohen (priest) shall place fire on the altar, and arrange wood on the fire. Aaron’s descendants, the kohanim, shall then arrange the pieces, the head and the fat, on top of the wood which is on the fire that is on the altar. . . . Then the kohen shall offer up all [of the animal], and cause it to [go up in] smoke on the altar. It is a burnt offering, a fire offering [with] a pleasing fragrance to the L‑rd. (Leviticus 1:7–8, 13)

In the center of the painting, almost hidden by the flames, is the abstruse figure of the kohen (priest) as he tends the fire. Bringing the daily sacrifice involved both sprinkling its blood on the altar and offering its fats on the burning fire. In the painting, the deep dark reds, the life force of the animal, seem to be elevated upwards into the celestial blue sky. The altar appears red-hot with fire; sparks are released, ascending heavenward with vibrant hues. This “ascending” offering is to be completely burnt as a “fiery pleasure to G‑d.”

Blood is an analogy for vitality and energy, while fat is as an analogy for satisfaction. When we devote our energy to the altar, i.e., to holy matters, this will be a source of satisfaction to both man and G‑d. (Likkutei Sichot, Vayikra)