The image shows a pastoral scene with an elevated viewpoint displaying a broad landscape. The horizon is positioned high, obscured by trees, revealing ascending hills in the distance. A group of figures, some with wings, are on a path leading from a stately building surrounded by foliage. A rural path curves through the scene, with distant figures near ruins to the left. The engraving features fine, intricate lines detailing the architecture and foliage. The monochromatic palette emphasizes light and shadow, creating depth and texture. There is a tree-bordered structure on the right and partially ruined buildings on the left, contrasting with the open sky where birds are depicted in flight.
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The image shows a pastoral scene with an elevated viewpoint displaying a broad landscape. The horizon is positioned high, obscured by trees, revealing ascending hills in the distance. A group of figures, some with wings, are on a path leading from a stately building surrounded by foliage. A rural path curves through the scene, with distant figures near ruins to the left. The engraving features fine, intricate lines detailing the architecture and foliage. The monochromatic palette emphasizes light and shadow, creating depth and texture. There is a tree-bordered structure on the right and partially ruined buildings on the left, contrasting with the open sky where birds are depicted in flight.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Abraham and the Three Angels

Herman van Swanevelt

Medium
etching
Classification
Print
Accession number
1973.32.62
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1551 to 1600
Department
CG-E

Portfolio and series

Series
Scenes from the Old Testament [Hollstein 1-4]

Subjects and terms

  • Angel
  • Dutch
  • Ruins
  • group
  • figure
  • Tree
  • Building

NGA object ID 53930. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.