Who painted Hagar and Ismael in the Desert?

Hagar and Ismael in the Desert was painted by François-Joseph Navez in 1820.

Where can I see Hagar and Ismael in the Desert?

Hagar and Ismael in the Desert is held by Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.

What movement is Hagar and Ismael in the Desert?

Hagar and Ismael in the Desert is associated with Neoclassicism.

Can I buy a print of Hagar and Ismael in the Desert?

Museum-quality prints of Hagar and Ismael in the Desert are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Hagar and Ismael in the Desert

François-Joseph Navez , 1820

Hagar and Ismael in the Desert is an oil painting by the Neoclassicist artist François-Joseph Navez. It dates from 1820 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. Created in 1820, this oil painting by Belgian artist François‑Joseph Navez depicts a biblical episode set in an arid landscape.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1820, this oil painting by Belgian artist François‑Joseph Navez depicts a biblical episode set in an arid landscape. Executed within the Neoclassical idiom, the work is part of the religious genre and is currently housed in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a woman, clothed in a green mantle and headscarf, cradling a young boy who bears a staff. The child's eyes are shut and his head leans against the woman's chest, suggesting a moment of protection and maternal care amid the hardship of the desert.

Technique & Style

Navez employs chiaroscuro to model the figures, using contrasts of light and shadow to give them three‑dimensional presence against the muted background. The careful rendering of fabric folds and the subtle gradations of tone reflect the Neoclassical emphasis on clarity, balance, and controlled emotion.

History & Provenance

Painted during the later phase of Navez’s career, the piece entered the collection of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the institution’s broader effort to represent 19th‑century Belgian religious painting within its holdings.

Own this work as a print

Artist & collection

Artist

François-Joseph Navez

François-Joseph Navez (16 November 1787 – 12 October 1869) was a Belgian Neoclassical painter; known for his portraits and genre scenes.

Museum

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

Continue through works from the same source collection.