Abraham verstoot Hagar en Ismaël 1630 - 1700

Jan Lievens made this print of "Abraham Casting Out Hagar and Ishmael" using etching techniques. Lievens was active during the Dutch Golden Age, a period of immense economic prosperity for the Netherlands, and also a time when Dutch artists made great contributions to the visual culture of Europe. This etching depicts a scene from the Book of Genesis, in which Abraham sends Hagar and their son Ishmael away at the insistence of his wife Sarah. Lievens uses light and shadow to create a dramatic effect, highlighting Abraham's central position. During the 17th century, biblical scenes were often interpreted as allegories for contemporary social and political issues. In the context of the Dutch Republic, this scene might be interpreted as an argument for maintaining social order and the importance of the patriarchal family structure. To fully understand such works we must consider the social and institutional context of their production. Art historians use a range of resources, including period documents and cultural studies, to shed light on the complex meanings embedded in artworks like this.