Abraham Entertaining the Angels by Rembrandt van Rijn

Rembrandt van Rijn, Abraham Casting Out Hagar and Ishmael, 1637, etching with touches of drypoint, National Gallery of Art, Washington, Rosenwald Collection 1943.3.7237

Although Sarah had urged Abraham to have a child with her servant Hagar, she became jealous when Isaac was born, demanding that Abraham banish Hagar and Ishmael. God told Abraham to obey.

Rembrandt places Abraham between Sarah, seen behind him in the window, and Hagar, who is departing in tears. One foot on the steps of his house, the other on the path, Abraham's inner conflict is made clear. His gesture—blessing Ishmael—expresses his reluctance and sadness. He does not wish to lose his first son. Yet in obedience to God, Abraham steps back toward his house, where little Isaac waits in the doorway.