Abraham Casting out Hagar and Ishmael

Abraham Casting out Hagar and Ishmael is a pivotal etching created by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, in 1637. Executed in the challenging medium of etching on paper, this classification of print demonstrates Rembrandt's mature engagement with religious narrative during the peak of the Netherlands' Golden Age. Unlike his oil paintings, this small-scale work relies purely on intricate line work and shadow to convey intense psychological drama, marking the artist as one of history's foremost printmakers.

Rembrandt approaches the dramatic biblical confrontation, detailed in Genesis 21, with remarkable subtlety. The composition centers on the figures caught in a moment of agonizing transition: Abraham stands resolute yet internally pained, contrasting sharply with the desperate figure of Hagar and the hesitant, vulnerable Ishmael. The artist masterfully uses etched lines to achieve a rich contrast between deep shadows and key illuminated areas, a subtle form of tenebrism that heightens the emotional impact of the banishment. The detailed emotional expressions across the faces of the figures underscore the devastating consequences of Sarah's demand.

Produced during a prolific period of Biblical histories, the 1637 work reflects the contemporary Dutch interest in personal piety and humanized religious figures. The detail and complexity of the etching underscore why prints by this artist remain highly sought after by collectors and institutions. This significant piece is housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where scholars and the public can study the master's technique. High-resolution images of the composition, Abraham Casting out Hagar and Ishmael, are often available through public domain initiatives, ensuring its continued study and appreciation worldwide.