Who painted Abraham and Hagar?

Abraham and Hagar was painted by Pietro da Cortona in 1637.

Where can I see Abraham and Hagar?

Abraham and Hagar is held by Kunsthistorisches Museum.

What movement is Abraham and Hagar?

Abraham and Hagar is associated with Early Baroque Italian.

Can I buy a print of Abraham and Hagar?

Museum-quality prints of Abraham and Hagar are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Abraham and Hagar

Pietro da Cortona , 1637

Abraham and Hagar is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Pietro da Cortona. It dates from 1637 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1637, this oil on canvas by Pietro da Cortona presents a biblical encounter between Abraham and Hagar. Executed during the early Baroque, the work is part of the Kunsthistorisches Museum’s collection. The composition places the figures before a stone structure, with a luminous sky and garden elements framing the scene.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays the patriarch Abraham, distinguished by a white beard and a vivid red mantle, alongside Hagar, rendered in a flowing gold garment. Their gestures suggest a moment of reassurance: Hagar clutches Abraham’s arm with a concerned expression, while he remains composed, evoking themes of protection and divine promise within the Genesis narrative.

Technique & Style

Cortona employs the Baroque hallmark of dramatic chiaroscuro, contrasting the bright red cloak with softer surrounding tones to guide the viewer’s eye. The figures are modeled with strong light and shadow, creating a sense of depth, while a winged infant hovers nearby, adding a subtle supernatural element to the otherwise tranquil garden setting.

History & Provenance

After its completion in Rome, the canvas entered various private collections before being acquired by the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, where it remains on display. Its provenance reflects the artist’s reputation as a leading painter and architect of the Roman Baroque, whose works were sought after by European patrons.

Context

Pietro da Cortona was renowned for large-scale frescoes and architectural projects in Rome and Florence. This relatively small easel painting demonstrates his ability to translate the dynamic energy of his ceiling decorations into a more intimate format, illustrating the early Baroque shift toward emotionally charged, narrative-driven imagery.