Der Hagar, die unter einem Baum sitzt, erscheint von rechts kommend ein Engel, zwischen ihnen liegt Ismael schlafend am Boden 1602

Augustin Medow created this pen and wash drawing, "Hagar and the Angel," in 1602. It illustrates a scene from the Book of Genesis, where Hagar, cast out into the desert with her son Ishmael, is saved by an angel. Made in Germany, the drawing reflects the religious and social concerns of the time. The Protestant Reformation had recently swept through Europe, profoundly impacting artistic expression. Biblical scenes became newly significant as artists explored themes of faith, salvation, and divine intervention. Consider the artist's choice to depict Hagar, a marginalized figure, as the central subject. Is this a commentary on social inequality, or an affirmation of the importance of individual faith? By researching Medow's artistic output, his patrons, and the prevailing theological debates, we can better understand this work's place within its cultural and institutional context. Art history invites us to consider the intricate relationship between art and the society that produces it.