The Angels Appearing to Abraham

Description

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.

Provenance

Possibly Federigo Giovanelli, Venice (Until 1800); Baroness Valerie Groedel, Budapest (?); (Neumann Gallery, Vienna) (By 1933?); (Francesco Pospisil, Venice, sold through Alessandro Brass to the Cleveland Museum of Art) (1952); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio (1952-)

The Angels Appearing to Abraham

Francesco Guardi

1750s

Accession Number

1952.235.3

Medium

oil on canvas

Dimensions

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.)

Classification

Painting

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund