In 1618, Peter Paul Rubens returned to the biblical story of Hagar’s expulsion—a subject he had already painted at least twice before—at a moment when his Antwerp studio was at the height of its productivity. This version of The expulsion of Hagar (Genesis 16 : 1-6) stands out for its emotional intensity and the way it captures the drama of a family torn apart. The painting’s impact was such that it inspired copies and variants by Rubens’s followers, and even today, scholars discuss how much of the work is by Rubens himself versus his talented assistants.

Its popularity speaks to the enduring power of the story and Rubens’s ability to bring biblical narratives to life. At the center of the canvas, Hagar, the Egyptian servant, is shown at the moment she is sent away by Abraham at Sarah’s insistence. Sarah stands to the side, her body tense and her hand gesturing in command, while Abraham, caught between compassion and obedience, extends a hand toward Hagar and her young son Ishmael. The lush garden setting and the golden light heighten the sense of loss and exile, as does the presence of a servant carrying a bundle—Hagar’s few possessions.

Rubens’s use of rich color and dynamic movement contrasts with the more restrained treatment of the same scene by Rembrandt, who, decades later, would focus on psychological tension rather than physical action. Although the exact original patron of this painting is not known, The expulsion of Hagar was created during Rubens’s mature period, when he was a leading figure of the Baroque in northern Europe. Works from this era often traveled widely and were sought after by collectors across the continent. Today, this painting is housed in the Museo del Prado, where it forms part of one of the world’s most important collections of Rubens’s work.

Its journey from a bustling Antwerp studio to the heart of Madrid is a testament to the international reach and enduring appeal of Rubens’s biblical scenes.