Russian icon, Ascension to Heaven of the Prophet Elijah, 19th century, 13.5x11 in
Russian icon, Ascension to Heaven of the Prophet Elijah, 19th century, 13.5x11 in.
The icon shows the prophet taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot under the gaze of his disciple Elisha. Elijah, from Galaad, was active in the 9th century B.C. and is remembered as a staunch defender of faith in the one God against idolatry, particularly during the reign of Ahab and Queen Jezebel.
His life is marked by extraordinary episodes: the contest on Mount Carmel against the priests of Baal, his sojourn in th...
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Russian icon, Ascension to Heaven of the Prophet Elijah, 19th century, 13.5x11 in.
The icon shows the prophet taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot under the gaze of his disciple Elisha. Elijah, from Galaad, was active in the 9th century B.C. and is remembered as a staunch defender of faith in the one God against idolatry, particularly during the reign of Ahab and Queen Jezebel.
His life is marked by extraordinary episodes: the contest on Mount Carmel against the priests of Baal, his sojourn in the desert where he was fed by a raven, and his encounter with God on Mount Oreb, revealed in the "still small voice" of a gentle wind. Regarded as one of Israel's great mystics, Elijah also appears at the Transfiguration alongside Christ and Moses.
In iconography, the Ascension scene expresses victory over the earthly realm and spiritual elevation, making this image a powerful symbol of faith, contemplation and union with God.
Executed according to tradition in egg tempera on a wooden panel prepared with levkas, a technique typical of Russian iconography.
Provenance: Moscow, Russia.
Technique: egg tempera.
Materials: wood, levkas.
Dimensions: 13.5x11.4 in.
Period: early 19th century.