Abraham bewirtet die drei Engel unter einem Baum vor seinem Haus c. 1625

Matthäus Merian the Elder made this drawing, "Abraham Entertaining the Three Angels," using pen and brown ink with gray wash, sometime in the early to mid-17th century. It depicts a scene from the Book of Genesis, where Abraham unknowingly hosts divine messengers. Consider that this image was produced in a century marked by religious conflict in Europe, particularly the Thirty Years' War, and the story takes on a new resonance. Hospitality, a core value in many cultures, becomes crucial amidst such turmoil, offering solace and connection in times of division. The setting, with its stylized landscape, reflects the cultural context of the artist, likely intended for an urban audience familiar with biblical stories. We can interpret this work through its social and political context. It's a reminder of the enduring power of art to reflect and comment on the values of its time. To understand it better, scholars research the history of religious art, the cultural values of the 17th century, and the role of biblical stories in shaping social norms.