Hagar and the Angel by Michel Dorigny Michel Dorignys Hagar and the Angel is an oil on canvas painting

that depicts the story of Hagar and the Angel of the Lord. This comes from the biblical text that tells the story of Abraham and his wife Sarah. According to the story, Hagar was a hand maiden to Sarah, who was unable to have a child, at the time. Sarah requested of her husband, Abraham, to have a child with their handmaiden, Hagar. Abraham was successful with getting Hagar pregnant. She bore him a child and called him Ishmael. Hagar supposedly flaunted her son in front of Sarah and that made Sarah feel intimidated. Sarah requested that Hagar leave and take the child with her. During her journey to another place, Hagar was confronted by an angel from God who instructed her to return to Sarah and continue being her handmaiden. Dorignys illustration of the scene with Hagar and the Angel takes place in a wooded area outside of town. He painted a darkened landscape full of trees with a partial opening to reflect the sun setting behind the mountains in the background. Hagar is sitting on a large rock while baby Ishmael is lying next to her. The trees stand tall with low hanging branches that probably gave shade to mother and child during the day. The sky is cloudy and everything looks still, no breeze is blowing through the forest except on the angel whose garments appears windblown; maybe from his wings fluttering and his divine presence. Dorignys work is idealized; it has no blemishes or flaws. The brush strokes are smooth and run harmoniously. This painting is representational because it characterized an actual event believed to have happened in the Christian faith. It was also realistic and natural; it portrays degrees of natural light on the images in the scene between the Angel and Hagar. The painting was created in France, circa (c)1645, during the High Baroque period around the time of the Counter-Reformation Realism era. This was the time period that religious themes were communicated through artwork. Exaggerations of emotions were imitated such as the way

Hagar looked to the angel with intensity. The angels poise was dramatic as his arm pointed in the direction for Hagar to return back to Sarah and Abraham. Dorignys line usage was curvy and the images had depth that looked three dimensional. The shapes of the massive images were natural looking and flowed with curvature. The mountains in the distance as compared to the trees that are close up shows he uses space in an atmospheric perspective. The value is lightness of color is low key. The images of the Angel and Hagar are high key because the predominate values are light colors. Dorigny used a palette that was rich, incorporating dark reds and greens to enhance gold accent features. The use of paint helps to insinuate the texture. There is repetition in color as you see the Angel and Hagar garments both are a mustard color. The Angel has a large mustard colored shawl covering his shoulders and Hagar dress is mustard. There is unity in the form of the two images. They both have a somber look on their faces as they gaze into each others eyes. Both their heads are tilted in the same direction and the variety is in the position of their bodies. Hagars expression appears to be in a defensive mode. She is defending her reason for leaving and the Angel is sort of ordering her to return and make amends. 7 The angel of the LORD found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. 8 And he said, Hagar, slave of Sarah, where have you come from, and where are you going? Im running away from my mistress Sarah, she answered. 9 Then the angel of the LORD told her, Go back to your mistress and submit to her. (Genesis 16:7-9) The energy and motion in this painting is enhanced through Dorignys use of theatrical lighting. The scene is like a frozen moment of tremendous action and drama. There is a sense of urgency that Hagar must return back to Sarah. Considering she is with a child it is probably not safe to stay in the wilderness. Dorigny use of balance is asymmetrical in that the images are not evenly placed but together are harmonious. Emphasis on the skin tone of the individuals is

brighter than their surroundings to bring more attention to what is taking place between the Angel and Hagar. There is contrast of light and shade in the use of color. The images are bright and the surroundings are of a darker shade. Dorigny scale and proportion is relevant to this art piece. The sizes of the individuals within the scene of the forest are all proportionate to each other. The central theme of this piece is suffering and sympathy. Hagar suffered torment from Sarah and fled out of desperation. She was from Egypt and had not reputation, only that she was a maid/servant to Abraham and Sarah. Hagar had to raise her son on her own and be a servant to the babys stepmother, Sarah; and, know that her son being the first born of Abraham would not inherit his wealth because he was born out of wedlock. This was shameful to Hagar. Dorignys audience was the church. He wanted to bring attention to this story in the Bible and shed light on Hagars suffering as a single mother whose child is not destined to receive inheritance because of his status. This piece is symbolic of that day and time when Dorigny created this painting. This was during the Counter-Reformation led by the Catholic Church against the Protestants. This piece conveys the message of the Counter Reformation during the 1600s. Michel Dorignys piece was a good example of biblical art during the 1600s. It gave life to this Bible story of Hagars encounter with the Angel in the wilderness. It brought attention to the story of Ishmael and his stressful beginnings. The quality of the painting draws attention to the skillful artistry of one of Dorignys masterpieces.