Abraham and the Three Angels 1902

James Tissot painted this watercolor, titled *Abraham and the Three Angels*, toward the end of the 19th century. As a French painter who spent time in the UK, Tissot later turned to religious subjects, depicting scenes from the Hebrew Bible. Here, we see a moment of divine encounter from Genesis. Abraham, prostrate on the floor, receives three visitors outside his tent. These figures, traditionally understood as angels, announce that his wife Sarah will bear a son. Tissot captures the emotional and social dimensions of this scene. Abraham’s posture conveys humility and awe, while the angels stand as serene messengers of a promise that would defy societal norms. The narrative touches on themes of faith and the disruption of social expectations through divine intervention. The tent setting also highlights the cultural and historical context of nomadic life. How does Tissot invite us to contemplate the complexities of faith, gender, and identity within this biblical narrative?