Abraham Dismissing Hagar 1637

Rembrandt van Rijn created this etching, "Abraham Dismissing Hagar," to depict a poignant biblical scene. Rembrandt, working in the Dutch Golden Age, was deeply engaged with exploring human emotions and narratives. Here, he captures the complex dynamics of power, race, and gender within the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar. Hagar, an Egyptian slave, was used as a surrogate by Sarah to bear Abraham a child, Ishmael. This etching freezes the moment when Hagar and her son are cast out into the wilderness. Note the expressions of the figures; Abraham's averted gaze and Hagar's bowed head speak volumes about the social hierarchies and personal heartaches involved. This work not only illustrates a biblical story but also serves as a powerful commentary on the human condition, reflecting on the historical and cultural contexts that continue to shape our understanding of identity and belonging.