Who painted The Dismissal of Hagar?

The Dismissal of Hagar was painted by Follower of Rembrandt van Rijn in 1641.

Where can I see The Dismissal of Hagar?

The Dismissal of Hagar is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Dismissal of Hagar?

The Dismissal of Hagar is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Dismissal of Hagar

Follower of Rembrandt van Rijn , 1641

The Dismissal of Hagar is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Follower of Rembrandt van Rijn. It dates from 1641 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The work entitled The Dismissal of Hagar is a pen drawing executed in brown ink. Rendered on paper, the image depicts the biblical episode in which Hagar, the Egyptian servant of Abraham, is expelled from the household. The composition is confined to a single plane, yet the artist’s handling of line conveys a narrative moment of departure and isolation.

Subject & Meaning

The scene draws from Genesis, illustrating Hagar’s forced exile after the birth of Ishmael. By focusing on her solitary figure and the surrounding landscape, the drawing emphasizes themes of vulnerability and divine providence. The visual emphasis on her posture and the stark environment invites contemplation of exile and survival within the broader biblical context.

Technique & Style

Executed with pen and brown ink, the artist employs a loose, expressive line quality that imparts a sense of movement. Cross‑hatching builds tonal variation, creating texture and depth without reliance on shading washes. This method, typical of the period’s drawing practices, allows the figure and background to emerge through rhythmic line work, enhancing the emotional tenor of the narrative.

History & Provenance

The drawing’s date and creator remain unidentified, though its stylistic traits align with European manuscript and drawing traditions of the late Renaissance to early Baroque era. It has been held in private collections before entering its current institutional setting, where it serves as an example of narrative pen work within the museum’s drawing department.