Abraham Casting out Hagar and Ishmael

Details

Bartsch 30; White/Boon 30; Hinterding/Rutgers (The New Hollstein) 166.

Provenienz:
Sammlung Heinrich Brockhaus (1804-1874), Leipzig, seitdem in Familienbesitz.

Descrizione

Excellent, effective impression of the only state, with traces of burr at the right contour line of Abraham’s turban. With excellent contrasts and the horizontal, fine smudge marks in the figure of Abraham and cross-hatching in Ishmael’s elaborate garment. Rembrandt depicts an Old Testament scene. He adds Sarah and her only son Isaac in the background at the window. The dichotomy of Abraham is emphasised by his depiction on the threshold of his door and the little dog on the stairs, which has always been seen as a symbol of faithfulness. On the one hand, he is pointing Hagar outwards, but the outstretched hand also gives the impression that he wants to hold her back. With a fine margin around the edge of the plate. – A tiny brown stain at the top centre. Verso in the corners with traces and remnants of former mounting, otherwise in very good condition.