Francesco Guardi

The Angels Appearing to Abraham

1750s
oil on canvas
56.5 × 75.5 cm (22.2 × 29.7 in)

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● On view now — 201 French Neoclassical Painting & Sculpture

Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · verified July 2026

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FROM THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART’S CATALOG

After their initial meeting, Abraham graciously offered to feed the angels and wash their feet. Following the meal, they announce that his wife Sarah, long past child-bearing age, will soon have a son, fulfilling a promise God had made earlier to Abraham. The artist presents the moment of revelation, the angels resplendent in their pastel gowns and feathery wings, with Sarah learning the news while hiding behind their cottage door.

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