Abraham casting out Hagar and Ishmael 1859

Léopold Flameng created this small print, "Abraham casting out Hagar and Ishmael," sometime in the late 19th century. Flameng, a renowned French printmaker, made a career out of reproducing the works of other artists. Here, he revisits a story from the Book of Genesis. In it, Abraham, under pressure from his wife Sarah, banishes Hagar, his concubine, and their son Ishmael. Look at the body language: Abraham’s averted gaze, Hagar’s slumped shoulders, and Ishmael’s small stature all evoke the emotional weight of abandonment and displacement. The black and white medium heightens the drama, emphasizing the stark realities of these figures' lives. This story resonates through time. It raises questions about power dynamics within families, the treatment of women and children, and the consequences of patriarchal decisions. This is more than a biblical scene; it's an intimate portrayal of human relationships strained by societal expectations.