Abraham Entertaining the Three Angels

About this artwork

Ferdinand Bol's *Abraham Entertaining the Three* (1660–1663) captures a pivotal biblical moment from Genesis 18, the patriarch Abraham welcomes three divine visitors—often interpreted as angels or a prefiguration of the Trinity—under the oaks of Mamre. Painted during the Dutch Age, this monumental oil canvas reflects Bol's mastery as a of Rembrandt, blending dramaticoscuro lighting with rich, warm tones to evoke hospitality and divine mystery. Bol, a prominent Amsterdam-based artist (1616–1680), from Rembrandt's intense realism to a more polished Baroque elegance in his later works. This large-scale history painting, measuring an imposing 404 × 282.5 cm, would have commanded attention in a grand civic or ecclesiastical space, underscoring the era's fascination with Old Testament narratives as moral and theological touchstones. The expansive canvas allows Bol to showcase intricate details in fabrics, gestures, and expressions, heightening the scene's emotional depth. Housed in Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, the work exemplifies the Dutch mastery of oil techniques for luminous effects and narrative grandeur. Visitors are drawn into Abraham's world of faith and abundance, a timeless reminder of divine encounters amid everyday life.