Abraham Casting Out Hagar and Ishmael

"Abraham Casting Out Hagar and Ishmael," created by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn in 1637, is a profound example of 17th-century Northern Baroque printmaking. Executed as an etching, the work demonstrates Rembrandt’s mastery of line and shadow, essential for achieving dramatic depth and high emotional tension within the demanding medium of prints. The composition captures the painful moment described in Genesis 21, as the patriarch Abraham reluctantly sends Hagar, his concubine, and their son Ishmael away from his household at the insistence of his wife, Sarah.

Rembrandt focuses the viewer’s attention on the confrontation in the doorway, utilizing fine cross-hatching to create a stark contrast between the highly illuminated central figures and the surrounding gloom. The scene is imbued with psychological complexity; Abraham appears grieved by his decision, while Hagar attempts to console Ishmael, one of the two main children depicted. The domestic setting is enhanced by the presence of surrounding buildings that suggest Abraham’s substantial estate, and a small dog, often interpreted as a symbol of loyalty, stands near the departing figures.

This iconic print is recognized as a pinnacle of Rembrandt's graphic output from the mid-1630s. His dramatic use of light profoundly influences the viewer's reading of the biblical narrative. The piece is frequently studied for its technical brilliance and its empathetic portrayal of human suffering. Today, high-quality images of this print are widely available through public domain resources. This influential etching is held within the distinguished collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), New York.