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The Angels Appearing to Abraham
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
After their initial meeting, Abraham graciously offered to feed the angels and wash their feet. Following the meal, they announce that his wife Sarah, long past child-bearing age, will soon have a son, fulfilling a promise God had made earlier to Abraham. The artist presents the moment of revelation, the angels resplendent in their pastel gowns and feathery wings, with Sarah learning the news while hiding behind their cottage door.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineThe Angels Appearing to Abraham, 1750s. Francesco Guardi (Italian, 1712–1793). Oil on canvas; framed: 71 x 90.5 x 7 cm (27 15/16 x 35 5/8 x 2 3/4 in.); unframed: 56.5 x 75.5 cm (22 1/4 x 29 3/4 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund, 1952.235.3
