Hagar Assisted by the Angel 1732

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo painted ‘Hagar Assisted by the Angel,’ sometime in the 18th century, now displayed at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice. The painting depicts Hagar, Sarah’s Egyptian slave, in the desert with her son Ishmael. Consider the power dynamics at play here: Hagar, a woman of color and a slave, is cast out by Sarah, her white mistress. Tiepolo captures Hagar’s desperation, her gaze lifted towards the heavens, seeking divine intervention. The angel’s presence speaks to themes of hope and redemption, offering solace in a moment of profound crisis. Tiepolo, living in a society steeped in religious tradition, infuses this biblical narrative with an emotional intensity. His interpretation humanizes Hagar, emphasizing her maternal love and her vulnerability as an outcast. This portrayal invites reflection on historical and contemporary issues of race, class, and displacement. Tiepolo's Hagar is not just a biblical figure; she becomes a symbol of resilience, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about power, privilege, and the enduring quest for dignity.