Artwork
The Expulsion of Hagar
The Expulsion of Hagar is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich. It dates from 1767 and is held in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts.
About this work
Overview
The Expulsion of Hagar is a 1767 painting by Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich, a German artist known for emulating earlier styles.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates the biblical story of Hagar's expulsion, depicting a tense scene with five figures in a wooded setting. A stern male figure points away from a distressed woman and child, conveying a narrative of conflict and separation.
Technique & Style
The work features dramatic chiaroscuro, with strong contrasts between light and dark that accentuate the figures' faces and clothing, creating a sense of emotional intensity.
History & Provenance
Created during the Rococo period, the painting is now part of the Detroit Institute of Arts collection.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich
Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich (30 October 1712 – 23 April 1774) was a German painter and art administrator. In his own works, he was adept at imitating many earlier artists, but never developed a style of his own.
