Lot and the Two Angels - Hans Collaert the Elder

A detailed hand-coloured engraving by Hans Collaert the Elder depicting the biblical scene of Lot welcoming two angels into his home.

This hand-coloured engraving by Hans Collaert the Elder depicts the biblical narrative of Lot welcoming two angels into his home in Sodom. The composition follows the conventions of sixteenth-century Flemish printmaking, where the primary figures occupy the foreground while a detailed, atmospheric city view unfolds in the distance. Lot is shown in a gesture of invitation, his posture conveying a sense of urgency and hospitality. The two angels, rendered with distinct blue and white drapery, stand as the central focus of the interaction.

Collaert employs a precise engraving technique, using fine lines to define the folds of the garments and the textures of the surrounding terrain. The application of colour, likely added by hand shortly after the printing process, enhances the narrative clarity of the scene. The background features a fortified city with a prominent dome, reflecting the architectural sensibilities of the period rather than historical accuracy. This work is part of a larger series exploring themes of hospitality and divine intervention, common subjects in the religious art of the Low Countries during the sixteenth century.

The print demonstrates the technical skill associated with the Collaert family, who were active in Antwerp and contributed significantly to the dissemination of religious and mythological imagery through the medium of engraving. The inclusion of Latin and French text at the base of the image provides context for the viewer, identifying the scene as an act of hospitality. The balance between the human interaction in the foreground and the expansive, detailed background creates a sense of depth typical of Northern Renaissance compositions. This piece offers a window into the visual culture of the era, where biblical stories were translated into accessible, highly detailed prints for a growing audience of collectors and scholars.