Hagar keert terug naar Sara 1683 - 1733

Bernard Picart created this print, "Hagar Returns to Sarah," in the 18th century, illustrating a scene from Genesis. It offers a lens through which to consider the complex dynamics of power, gender, and identity in historical narratives. The artwork depicts Hagar, an Egyptian slave, kneeling before Sarah. Abraham stands to the side, observing. This composition reflects a social hierarchy. Hagar’s vulnerability is heightened by her position as a foreign slave, her gender, and her act of supplication. Sarah embodies the authority of the mistress. The image can be viewed as an examination of female relationships within patriarchal structures, reflecting the tensions of motherhood, servitude, and societal expectations. The visual language of the piece evokes an emotional narrative of submission, dominance, and the precarious nature of identity. Picart's print invites us to reflect on how historical narratives shape our understanding of identity and social justice, reminding us that these stories are not just relics of the past but continue to inform our present.