The artwork, titled “Abraham and the Three Angels,” was created by James Tissot between approximately 1896 and 1902. It is rendered in gouache on board and belongs to the Symbolism art movement. Measuring 19.8 x 28.8 cm, this religious painting portrays a significant biblical event.
In the artwork, Abraham is depicted reclining inside a tent, gazing outward towards three angelic figures standing just outside the tent’s entrance. The figures are dressed in white robes, exuding an ethereal presence. The interior of the tent is ornate, adorned with various textiles and patterns, providing a warm, sheltered contrast to the serene outdoor setting where the angels stand. Abraham’s posture and expression reflect a moment of recognition and reverence, capturing the profound spiritual encounter narrated in the biblical story. The use of gouache contributes to the vivid yet soft texture of the scene, emphasizing the otherworldly aura of the divine visitors against the earthly environment of the patriarch.
