Abraham Dismissing Hagar 1585

Curator: This is Adriaen Collaert's engraving, "Abraham Dismissing Hagar." It depicts a rather poignant moment from Genesis. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is the sheer emptiness in Hagar’s eyes, despite all the activity around her. A mother’s love rejected! Curator: Absolutely, you can see the drama playing out in the composition itself. Abraham is turning Hagar and her son, Ishmael, away at the behest of Sarah, who's lurking in the background. Editor: The way Collaert uses line, it's almost frantic. It's like he's etching out not just forms, but emotions—desperation, resignation, anger. Notice the divine intervention suggested with the angel watching over them in the forest. Curator: The choice of engraving adds to the starkness, doesn't it? It highlights the emotional weight of the scene, a story of faith, family, and painful decisions. Editor: It really makes you wonder about Sarah's motivations too. The etching leaves you to reflect on this uncomfortable situation.