Hagar Sent into the Wildnerness 1758

Francesco Bartolozzi’s 1758 etching, "Hagar Sent into the Wilderness", depicts the biblical story of Hagar, Abraham's concubine, being sent away into the wilderness with her son Ishmael. The scene shows Hagar, holding a water jug, and Ishmael walking away from a group of figures. The etching is part of a larger series of prints illustrating the Old Testament. Bartolozzi was a renowned Italian printmaker and draftsman, known for his mastery of the stipple technique, which produced delicate, tonal effects in his prints. This is evident in "Hagar Sent into the Wilderness," with its fine lines and soft shading. This poignant scene captures a moment of hardship and uncertainty, emphasizing the themes of faith and resilience in the face of adversity.