Hagar and the Angel by Pietro da Cortona
Hagar and the Angel, a captivating artwork created by Pietro da Cortona around 1637-38, exemplifies the essence of Baroque religious art. The painting delves into a profound biblical narrative from the Book of Genesis, where Hagar, the handmaiden of Sarah, finds herself in a moment of despair in the wilderness. An angel appears to her, offering guidance and solace during her trying times. The mastery of da Cortona's brushstrokes brings to life the celestial realm, depicted by the graceful and ethereal presence of the angel. This Italian Baroque masterpiece showcases the artist's remarkable ability to convey emotional depth through art, capturing the spiritual essence of the Old Testament narrative. Housed within the esteemed Ringling Museum, this 17th-century artwork stands as a testament to the enduring beauty and significance of Christian art throughout history.
Details
- Artist
- Pietro da Cortona
- Created
- 1637 - 1638
- Medium
- oil on canvas
- Dimension
- 149.4cm × 114.3cm
- Passage
- Genesis 16:7-15
Found in: Genesis, Genesis 16, 17th century
Genesis 16:7-15
7 Yahweh’s angel found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain on the way to Shur.
8 He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s servant, where did you come from? Where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from the face of my mistress Sarai.”
9 Yahweh’s angel said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hands.”
10 Yahweh’s angel said to her, “I will greatly multiply your offspring, that they will not be counted for multitude.”
11 Yahweh’s angel said to her, “Behold, you are with child, and will bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because Yahweh has heard your affliction.
12 He will be like a wild donkey among men. His hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him. He will live opposite all of his brothers.”
13 She called the name of Yahweh who spoke to her, “You are a God who sees,” for she said, “Have I even stayed alive after seeing him?”
14 Therefore the well was called Beer Lahai Roi. Behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered.
15 Hagar bore a son for Abram. Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.
Genesis 16:7-15 · World English Bible
The artist
Pietro da Cortona
1596 - 1669
Tuscany, Italy
Pietro da Cortona, an eminent Italian Baroque painter and architect, played a significant role in the development of Roman Baroque architecture alongside his contemporaries Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini. Born as Pietro Berrettini in Cortona, Tuscany, he received his early artistic training in Florence under Andrea Commodi. However, drawn to the allure of Rome, he ventured there in 1612/3, joining the studio of Baccio Ciarpi. In Rome, his remarkable talents were recognized by prominent patrons, including Marcello Sacchetti, the…