Abraham Dismissing Hagar and Ishmael 1658

"Abraham Dismissing Hagar and Ishmael" (1658) by Barent Fabritius is a dramatic depiction of a biblical story. The painting shows Abraham, the patriarch of the Hebrew people, dismissing his concubine Hagar and their son Ishmael into the wilderness, a pivotal moment in the Abrahamic faith. Fabritius, a Dutch painter known for his meticulous realism and dramatic use of light, masterfully captures the emotional turmoil of the scene. The composition emphasizes the figures' emotional expressions, using a dark, earthy palette to evoke a sense of isolation and despair. The inclusion of a distant landscape suggests the vastness and desolation of Ishmael's future. This compelling artwork, currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, serves as a powerful reminder of the complex themes of faith, family, and sacrifice found in the Bible.