Who painted Abraham Entertaining the Angels?

Abraham Entertaining the Angels was painted by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1656.

Where can I see Abraham Entertaining the Angels?

Abraham Entertaining the Angels is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Abraham Entertaining the Angels?

Abraham Entertaining the Angels is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Abraham Entertaining the Angels?

Museum-quality prints of Abraham Entertaining the Angels are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Abraham Entertaining the Angels

Rembrandt van Rijn , 1656

Abraham Entertaining the Angels is an ink print by the Baroque artist Rembrandt van Rijn. It dates from 1656 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:on former backboard: Trés exceptionelle comme qualitésur papier du Japon et aved de trés nombreuses taches de manière noire; Monsieur Maurice Gobin, 1 rue Laffitte, Paris, 7,500 francs, 9 March 1923 (according to dealer notes)
Markings: Marked:none

About this work

Overview

Created in 1656, Abraham Entertaining the Angels is a significant etching and drypoint by Rembrandt van Rijn, executed on Japan paper.

Created in 1656, Abraham Entertaining the Angels is a significant etching and drypoint by Rembrandt van Rijn, executed on Japan paper. The work illustrates the biblical narrative from Genesis 18, where the patriarch Abraham receives three divine visitors. Rembrandt departs from traditional iconography by depicting the angels not as winged celestial beings, but as three ordinary men, emphasizing the theme of hospitality and the human encounter with the divine.

The composition is intimate and grounded, with the figures seated on the earth in a rustic setting. Abraham, distinguished by his turban and long white beard, occupies the left side, engaging with his guests while holding a cup. One visitor stands holding a bow, a detail that adds a sense of narrative tension and movement to the otherwise static gathering.

Rembrandt utilizes the rich tonal range of drypoint to create deep shadows and soft highlights, characteristic of his late style. This print reflects the artist's mature exploration of psychological depth and his ability to infuse scriptural stories with profound human realism, marking a high point in his graphic oeuvre during a period of personal and financial hardship.

Subject & Meaning

The image illustrates the moment described in Genesis when Abraham offers hospitality to three strangers, an act that later reveals the visitors as divine messengers. Abraham, an aged figure with a white beard and turban, holds a cup while a standing guest bears a bow, suggesting readiness for travel. The modest spread of food on a low table underscores the theme of generosity toward the unknown.

Technique & Style

Rembrandt combines traditional copper etching with dry‑point, the latter producing a velvety, burr‑rich line that softens edges and adds tactile depth. The artist’s mastery of chiaroscuro is evident in the contrast between illuminated figures and the shadowed background of trees and clouded sky, creating a sense of atmospheric perspective and three‑dimensionality within the flat paper surface.

History & Provenance

Created in the later period of Rembrandt’s career, the print reflects his continued experimentation with printmaking techniques. It was issued as part of a series of biblical subjects that circulated among collectors in the Dutch Republic. Surviving impressions are held in several major institutions, confirming its distribution and the artist’s reputation as a printmaker during the mid‑17th century.

Context

The work belongs to the broader tradition of Dutch Golden Age art that often depicted Old Testament narratives to convey moral lessons. Rembrandt’s choice of a domestic, outdoor setting aligns with his interest in rendering biblical scenes as everyday human experiences, emphasizing humility and piety over grandiose spectacle.