Abraham Welcoming the Three Angels

The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Abraham Welcoming the Three Angels as painting (Italy · 1750s).

WHY IT’S INTERESTING

Three of the four pictures in the series depict episodes from the life of the Old Testament figure of Abraham, beginning with the angels appearing to Abraham. According to Genesis 18, Abraham met three men at midday, and, recognizing that they were angels, humbly bowed down to them with his face touching the ground.

SERENDIPITYA little unexpected

FamiliarWeird

A CLOSER LOOK

The museum identifies this painting as oil on canvas and credits Francesco Guardi (Italian, 1712–1793).

The museum's collection notes: Three of the four pictures in the series depict episodes from the life of the Old Testament figure of Abraham, beginning with the angels appearing to Abraham. According to Genesis 18, Abraham met three men at midday, and, recognizing that they were angels, humbly bowed down to them with his face touching the ground. The encounter incongruously takes place before a marble, classical portico in which a woman lurks, presumably his wife Sarah.

FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE

The Cleveland Museum of ArtAbraham Welcoming the Three Angels

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