Abraham verstoot Hagar en Ismaël 1605 - 1732

This engraving of "Abraham casting out Hagar and Ishmael" presents a biblical narrative rendered through a distinct cultural lens, and was likely made in the Netherlands. The image captures the moment when Abraham, under pressure from his wife Sarah, sends his concubine Hagar and their son Ishmael into the wilderness. But note how the characters are dressed in what might be considered Turkish garments, even though the story is from the Old Testament. Why might that be? Well, the Ottoman Empire was a significant political presence and trading partner for the Dutch Republic and the engraver would have known that those that viewed the image would have seen a connection between a Biblical story and the people they knew as neighbours. To truly understand such an image, we have to research the society, religion, and economy of the time, as well as the print and publishing industries. Only then can we understand the social conditions that shaped its production and reception.