The artwork titled “Abraham Dismissing Hagar” is a religious painting created by the Dutch master Rembrandt in the year 1637. Executed as an etching, this piece is emblematic of the Baroque period, characterized by its dramatic use of light and shadow, as well as emotional intensity. The artwork, with dimensions measuring 13 by 10 centimeters, is part of the collection at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, Israel.
In “Abraham Dismissing Hagar,” the scene depicts a sorrowful narrative from the Biblical story where Abraham, under Sarah’s insistence, sends away his maidservant Hagar and their son Ishmael. The central figure, presumably Abraham, stands dominantly in the composition, clothed in rich and elaborate attire indicative of his status. His posture, however, betrays a sense of reluctance or sorrow as he performs the act of dismissal, emphasized by his outstretched arm. Hagar’s figure, conversely, is bent and appears distressed, which, alongside the presence of a young boy, accentuates the theme of exile and separation.
Architectural elements, including a detailed archway and a hint of a grand building in the background, frame the scene, adding a sense of depth and permanence that contrasts the transient nature of Hagar’s looming departure. A dog in the foreground reinforces domesticity, anchoring the scene within a familiar, perhaps even intimate environment. Rembrandt’s masterful handling of the etching needle has created rich textures and nuanced tones, which bring to life the emotional gravitas of the biblical episode, a hallmark of his impressive oeuvre and the emotionally charged Baroque style.