Study for Hagar: Maquette No. 1

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Currently not on view

Study for Hagar: Maquette No. 1

Modeled in clay 1948; cast in bronze c. 1948

Jacques Lipchitz (American (born Lithuania), 1891–1973)

This sculpture recounts the biblical story of Hagar, a young Egyptian maidservant who was dismissed from Abraham's household by his wife, Sarah, and forced to wander the desert with her son, Ishmael. Although an angel eventually rescued the mother and child, Lipchitz chose to focus on their despair rather than celebrate their survival. The artist saw contemporary significance in Hagar's plight, relating it to the long-standing conflict between the Jews and the Arabs, which escalated with the founding of Israel in 1948. He offered this work as a prayer for future peace between the two peoples.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Study for Hagar: Maquette No. 1

Date:

Modeled in clay 1948; cast in bronze c. 1948

Artist:

Jacques Lipchitz (American (born Lithuania), 1891–1973)

Medium:

Bronze

Dimensions:

5 1/4 x 6 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches (13.3 x 16.5 x 8.9 cm)

Classification:

Sculpture

Credit Line:

Bequest of Lisa Norris Elkins, 1950

Accession Number:

1950-92-43

Geography:

Made in United States, North and Central America

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Currently not on view

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