Hagar en Ismaël in de wildernis 1680 - 1713

This is an engraving, titled ‘Hagar and Ishmael in the Wilderness,’ and made by an anonymous artist. We see Hagar, an Egyptian slave, cast out into the desert with her son Ishmael. The scene depicts a moment of divine intervention, where an angel appears to Hagar, offering her solace and guidance. Hagar's story is one of displacement and resilience. She exists in a liminal space, neither fully integrated nor entirely rejected, her identity shaped by her status as both a slave and a mother. In this print, Hagar’s gaze is filled with a deep sorrow. The angel seems to offer not just a path to survival, but also a recognition of her inherent dignity. The desert, a place of desolation, becomes a backdrop for a powerful encounter, a testament to the strength and perseverance found in the face of adversity. The image invites us to consider the narratives of those whose stories are often marginalized. It reminds us that within these tales of hardship, there are also moments of profound grace.