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Kean Archives

Gustave Doré

“The Expulsion of Ishmael and His Mother” (1866)

Set in a desert landscape, Doré’s engraving depicts all the characters who are part of the story told in Genesis 21. Sara sits before her tent, holding Isaac protectively, while Abraham sends Hagar and Ishmael into the desert. Ishmael clings to his mother in fearful anticipation of their banishment. Hagar carries a bottle of water supplied to her by Abraham.