Abraham and Hagar

Along with figures such as Hans Sebald and Bartel Beham, Nuremberg-based artist Georg Pencz (ca. 1500-50) is known as one of the “Little Masters,” a term that references these artists’ prolific output of small-format prints. In the small engraving shown here, Pencz illustrates the Old Testament story of Abram (Abraham), his wife Sarai (Sarah), and their servant, Hagar. As recounted in Genesis 16, when Sarai is unable to conceive, she suggests that Abram have a child with Hagar instead. Here, Pencz depicts the encounter between Abram and Hagar that ensued. Via the soft lighting that falls over the scene, as well as the emphasis on Abram and Hagar’s entwined, unclothed bodies, Pencz harnesses the erotic potential of this biblical story, subtly alluded to by the figure of Sarai, who peeks in from the background.