Abraham & Hagar

Description

This engraving depicts the scene of the expulsion of Hagar and her son Ishmael from their home, described in verses 9-14 of the Book of Genesis, chapter 21, of the Old Testament. When Abraham's wife, Sarai, became jealous of his son Ishmael, born to his Egyptian slave Hagar, Abraham, with God's approval, expelled Hagar and Ishmael from their home. The figure of Abraham, dressed in royal attire and rendered with strong, defined lines, appears both uncertain and sad, yet resolute in his obedience to God's command. Hagar holds her child tightly, trying to hide her tears, while the child reaches out to his father, reflecting the innocence of being dragged into uncertainty. Hagar's departure is not merely a physical separation, but a symbol of social exclusion and exile to an unknown future. This scene symbolizes not only a family drama but also submission to God's will, the fragile position of women, and the absolute influence of the celestial order over humanity. It also points to the fateful separation between Isaac and Ishmael, for through this separation, Isaac would become the ancestor of the Israelites, and Ishmael the ancestor of the Arabs.