Abraham verstoot Hagar en Ismaël 1583 - 1650

This drawing, "Abraham expelling Hagar and Ishmael" was made by Hendrick Hondius I around the turn of the 17th century with pen and brown ink, and brown wash on paper. The artist has painstakingly rendered the scene with delicate strokes of the pen, a technique demanding careful skill and control of hand, in turn requiring the artist's intense labor and time. The texture of the paper influences the visual appearance of the work, with its slight variations in tone and texture adding depth to the composition. The sepia wash has been used to create shadows and highlights, giving the drawing a sense of three-dimensionality and volume. The line work is intricate and detailed, with fine strokes used to depict the figures' clothing and facial features. It's easy to overlook, but these material choices serve to highlight the drawing's humanistic qualities. Considering the materials and methods employed in its creation allows us to better appreciate the drawing’s artistic and social significance, encouraging us to look beyond mere aesthetics.