Who painted Abraham Casting Out Hagar and Ishmael?

Abraham Casting Out Hagar and Ishmael was painted by Rembrandt in 1637.

Where can I see Abraham Casting Out Hagar and Ishmael?

Abraham Casting Out Hagar and Ishmael is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Abraham Casting Out Hagar and Ishmael?

Abraham Casting Out Hagar and Ishmael is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Abraham Casting Out Hagar and Ishmael

Rembrandt , 1637

Abraham Casting Out Hagar and Ishmael is an ink print by the Baroque artist Rembrandt. It dates from 1637 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1637, this print by Rembrandt van Rijn depicts the biblical episode in which Abraham dismisses Hagar and her son Ishmael. Executed as an etching with added dry‑point work, the composition centers on three figures rendered in stark chiaroscuro, emphasizing the emotional weight of the moment.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure, a bearded man in a robe and turban, represents Abraham. He gestures toward a departing woman, identified as Hagar, who carries a bundle on her back, and a child, Ishmael, who glances back at his father. The scene captures the tension of exile and the complex dynamics of faith and duty within the Genesis narrative.

Technique & Style

Rembrandt combines traditional etching with dry‑point accents, allowing for deep, expressive lines and rich, velvety shadows. The use of a dark, arched doorway in the background and the careful modulation of light intensify the drama, while the varied line work showcases the artist’s mastery of printmaking textures.

Context

The work belongs to Rembrandt’s early period, when he explored biblical themes through print media. By focusing on a moment of personal conflict rather than a grand tableau, the piece reflects the artist’s interest in intimate human emotion and his skill in conveying narrative depth within the limited scale of an etching.

Artist & collection

Artist

Rembrandt

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669), known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.