Fotoreproductie van een schilderij van Hagar naast de stervende Ismaël door Lauren Lodewijk Kleijn c. 1865 - 1900

This is a photo reproduction of a painting by Laurens Lodewijk Kleijn, depicting Hagar beside the dying Ishmael. The desolate scene echoes a theme as old as time: the maternal lament. We see Hagar, her posture mirroring anguish, a primal scream against the dying of her son, Ishmael. Consider the ancient Niobe, weeping for her slain children, turned to stone by grief, or the Virgin Mary mourning Christ. This motif resurfaces through epochs, a testament to the enduring power of maternal sorrow. Such gestures transcend mere representation, acting as conduits of collective memory. The poses and emotional expressions reflect a profound and timeless connection, a powerful force that continues to engage viewers on a subconscious level. The reappearance and evolution of these visual symbols are cyclical, reminding us of the non-linear progression of cultural memory, evolving and resurfacing with new significance throughout history.