Abraham bewirtet die drei an einem Tisch sitzenden Engel, links an der Tür lauscht Sara 

Gottlieb Welté's drawing at the Städel Museum captures the biblical scene of Abraham hosting three angels, with Sarah listening at the door. The table is laden with offerings of hospitality. In antiquity, hospitality was more than a courtesy; it was a sacred duty, a virtue seen in other works such as in classical depictions of the *xenia* motif in Homer's epics. Notice Abraham's outstretched hand, a gesture of offering. This harks back to ancient Roman depictions of *adlocutio,* where the open hand signifies invitation. It speaks to a deep-seated human desire to welcome the unknown, albeit often tinged with anxiety. Yet, Sarah at the door introduces a different element, echoing the motif of hidden observers in art, such as Susanna in the bath, reminding us of the dual nature of witnessing. These themes resonate through art history, reflecting our fascination with divine encounters.