Abraham als gastheer van de engelen c. 1525 - 1550

Peter Flötner created this bronze relief, "Abraham as Host to the Angels," sometime in the 16th century. Notice how the composition is dense, packed with figures and architectural details, all meticulously rendered in low relief. The texture of the bronze itself contributes to the sense of depth and shadow, almost creating a miniature stage. The scene unfolds within a tight, almost claustrophobic space, challenging traditional notions of perspective and narrative clarity. Flötner disrupts the conventional Renaissance emphasis on idealized form and spatial harmony. Instead, the density and flatness draw attention to the materiality of the bronze, pushing against the illusion of depth typically pursued in relief sculpture. The work invites us to reconsider how stories are told through form. It prompts us to interpret meaning not just from the biblical narrative but also from the ways Flötner manipulates space and texture. This interplay between form and content undermines the traditional separation, engaging us in a deeper visual and intellectual discourse.