Abraham Entertaining the Angels by Rembrandt van Rijn

Angels (detail) by Rembrandt van Rijn
Rembrandt van Rijn, Abraham Entertaining the Angels (detail), 1656, etching and drypoint, National Gallery of Art, Washington, Rosenwald Collection 1943.3.7160

For years God had promised Abraham and Sarah a child—in fact, their offspring were to be "as numerous as the stars in heaven." But now, Abraham is ninety-nine years old and Sarah only ten years younger, long past hoping for a child.

When Sarah hears God's amazing announcement, she laughs to herself in disbelief. Rembrandt emphasizes her age and places her in the dark, shadowed doorway to signify her doubt and lack of faith.