The Trinity (Russian: Троица, tr. Troitsa, also called The Hospitality of Abraham) is an icon created by Russian painter Andrei Rublev in the 15th century. It is his most famous work and the most famous of all Russian icons, and it is regarded as one of the highest achievements of Russian art.
In our Carmelite tradition, we know that St. Elizabeth of the Trinity had a particular devotion/love for the Holy Trinity. It is said she would address each person of the Trinity specifically, and pray in a specail way to each one.
In this painting, the individual persons are seated out around the table -- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit -- but the front of the table is left open. This arrangement allows the viewer to see what is taking place. In fact (as a priest once mentioned in a commentary) it serves as an invitation. It's a sign of God's love and sharing between persons -- a love so strong that it welcomes fallen humanity to come in and share with the divne...
