Art Collections Online
Hagar and Ishmael in the Wilderness
SACCHI, Andrea (1599 - 1661)
Media: oil on canvas
Size: 75.6 x 92.0 cm
Acquired: 1971; Purchase; with assistance of the Art Fund
Accession Number: NMW A 9
This painting shows Hagar despairing over her son Ishmael who is dying of thirst after being banished to the desert, when an angel appears. The angel points to a spring of water and announces that Ishmael is destined to father a great nation. The painting is based on the Old Testament story of Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 21: 1-21) and was made for Cardinal Antonio Barberini, Sacchi’s principal patron and one of the greatest supporters of art at the time.
Comments - (1)
Just wondered if you had any background information on the time line on this painting, for example, where was it before the Art Fund bought it?
Any information greatly received.
Many Thanks