The expulsion of Hagar (attr.) Rembrandt Harmenszoon Van Rijn (1606-1669)

Here we observe a scene steeped in shadow and emotional weight. A man, distinguished by his long beard and flowing robes, stands facing a woman seated atop a donkey. The womans posture conveys distress; her hands are raised towards her face in a gesture of lamentation or supplication, while her gaze is directed downwards, suggesting shame or despair. A young boy, presumably a servant, leads the donkey forward with a staff.
The composition is dominated by chiaroscuro – a dramatic contrast between light and dark – which intensifies the emotional impact. The figures are illuminated from an unseen source, highlighting their faces and upper bodies while leaving much of the background in obscurity. This selective lighting draws attention to the central drama unfolding between the man and the woman.
The setting appears desolate; a crumbling structure looms faintly in the distance, hinting at abandonment or loss. The ground is uneven and barren, reinforcing the sense of isolation and hardship. The donkey itself seems weary, its form rendered with a palpable sense of exhaustion.
Subtleties within the painting suggest layers of meaning beyond a simple narrative depiction. The man’s gesture – a hand extended outwards – is ambiguous; it could signify farewell, rejection, or even a reluctant offering of assistance. The womans clothing, though modest, is rendered with considerable detail, indicating her former status and the significance of her current plight.
The overall effect is one of profound sadness and displacement. It speaks to themes of abandonment, injustice, and the vulnerability of individuals facing adversity. The artist’s skillful use of light and shadow creates a palpable atmosphere of melancholy, inviting contemplation on the human condition and the complexities of relationships.