Hagar and Ishmael 1951

Philip Evergood created this painting, "Hagar and Ishmael," capturing a poignant moment between mother and child. The symbolism here goes beyond a simple family portrait; it delves into themes of abandonment, resilience, and divine providence. Consider the motif of the sheltering tree, a maternal symbol that echoes through art history. It is reminiscent of the Madonna of Misericordia where the Virgin Mary shelters humanity under her mantle. Here, it provides scant protection and underscores the vulnerability of Hagar and Ishmael cast out into the wilderness. The offering of the flower by Ishmael becomes an assertion of hope amidst despair. This gesture recalls the "puer aeternus", a symbol of eternal youth. It's a fragile offering, yet it speaks to the enduring human spirit that persists despite all odds. These symbols remind us that the emotional weight of images lies in their power to engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level. It demonstrates the cyclical way in which symbols evolve, resurface, and take on new meanings across time.