Abraham en de drie engelen 1579

This engraving, titled *Abraham and the Three Angels*, is an anonymous work displayed at the Rijksmuseum. It depicts a scene from the Book of Genesis, rich with themes of hospitality, divine intervention, and promise. The image places Abraham in the act of serving three celestial visitors, testing the boundaries between the human and divine. Consider the historical context: the story reflects ancient Near Eastern values where hospitality was a sacred duty, particularly towards strangers. In relation, the act of service becomes a powerful commentary on social hierarchy and respect. Are the angels rendered with a certain androgyny, challenging conventional gender norms? The figure of Sarah, eavesdropping from the doorway, hints at the gendered spheres of domestic life. How does the artist use this biblical narrative to comment on the social dynamics of their own time? Reflect on how these ancient stories continue to shape our understanding of identity, duty, and the interplay between the earthly and the divine.