Description
The painting "The Expulsion of Hagar" by Claude Lorrain is an impressive example of the 17th century European Baroque style. The composition of the painting is very interesting, as Lorrain uses the technique of perspective to create a sense of depth and space in the scene. The central figure of the painting is Hagar, Abraham's slave, who is thrown out by his wife Sarah after she conceived a child with Abraham.
The paint color is very rich and vibrant, with warm, earthy tones evoking the feeling of a Mediterranean landscape. Light and shadow are also very well managed, creating a sense of drama and tension in the scene.
The story behind the painting is also very interesting, as it is based on a biblical passage from Genesis. Lorrain was known for his ability to depict biblical and mythological scenes in realistic and moving ways. In this painting, Hagar is seen as a tragic and vulnerable figure, driven from her home and left to wander the desert with her son.
A little-known aspect of the painting is that Lorrain painted it in two different versions, one in 1668 and one in 1670. The 1668 version is in the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, while the 1670 version is in the Borghese Gallery in Rome.
In summary, "The Expulsion of Hagar" is an impressive painting that stands out for its artistic style, its composition, its use of color and light, and its Biblical story. This masterpiece by Claude Lorrain remains one of the most iconic paintings of the European Baroque and a jewel of world artistic heritage.