Abraham en de engelen 1615

Gerard ter Borch created this watercolor and pen drawing, "Abraham en de engelen," likely around the mid-17th century. Ter Borch, who lived through the Dutch Golden Age, was deeply influenced by the era’s cultural and religious currents. The scene depicts Abraham visited by three angels, a story from the Book of Genesis. What strikes me is how Ter Borch situates this biblical encounter in a very earthly, very Dutch setting. This wasn't unusual. During the Reformation, there was a shift toward more personal and relatable religious experiences. Look closely, and you’ll see how the figures are rendered with a gentle realism. The angels are youthful, almost childlike, their presence lending a sense of intimacy to the divine encounter. Meanwhile, Sarah peeks out of the home, a reminder of the domestic sphere in which women were often confined. The artwork then becomes more than a simple religious scene. It is a window into the everyday lives and social structures of 17th-century Holland, infused with a quiet, reflective spirituality.