Hospitality of Abraham – Lithograph – Mount Athos

Description

Lithograph of the Hospitality of Abraham

A beautiful lithograph depicting the scene of the Hospitality of Abraham, also known as the Holy Trinity. According to the Orthodox Church, this image contains a series of symbols, the most significant of which refers to the appearance of God to Abraham in the form of three men.

Specifically, in the book of Genesis, it is described that Abraham, while sitting near the oak of Mamre where he had pitched his tent, was visited by three unknown men. Abraham welcomed them warmly and offered to host them, even providing a lavish meal in their honor. During their conversation, the unknown visitors announced to Abraham that his wife Sarah, despite her advanced age, would bear a child within a year, which indeed happened. Only then did Abraham realize that these men were angels sent by God.

Lithograph: Characteristics

In this particular image, the iconographer monk used the technique of lithography to create a work of exceptional beauty. Specifically, using a lithographed copy of Byzantine art, the monk crafted this piece following the traditional method of artificial aging, as taught in the iconography workshops of the Athonite State. The artificial aging of the icon is handmade, a process in which the monks of Mount Athos place great importance.

Origin: Mount Athos