Russian Icon Ascension of Prophet Elijah, 18th Century 30x26 cm
Antique Russian icon depicting the ascension of Prophet Elijah. Native of Gilead in Transjordan, Elijah was a prophet between 860 and 850 B.C. during the reign of Ahab and Queen Jezebel. His ascent to heaven on a chariot of fire, witnessed by the disciple Elisha, is a recurring theme in many icons. After predicting a famine, Elijah seeks refuge in a desert cave where he is nourished by a raven, a scene often depicted. Later, on Mount Carmel, Elijah challenges the priests of Baal, and after his p...
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Antique Russian icon depicting the ascension of Prophet Elijah. Native of Gilead in Transjordan, Elijah was a prophet between 860 and 850 B.C. during the reign of Ahab and Queen Jezebel. His ascent to heaven on a chariot of fire, witnessed by the disciple Elisha, is a recurring theme in many icons. After predicting a famine, Elijah seeks refuge in a desert cave where he is nourished by a raven, a scene often depicted. Later, on Mount Carmel, Elijah challenges the priests of Baal, and after his prayers are the only ones answered with divine fire for the sacrifice, the four hundred priests are executed. Fleeing to the desert and calling for death, Elijah is visited by an angel who brings him food, symbolizing the Eucharist as seen by the Fathers. Strengthened by that bread, Elijah walks for forty days to Mount Horeb, experiencing the mystical revelation of God in a 'still small voice' in a light wind. Elijah appears alongside Moses in the Transfiguration of Christ on Mount Tabor and is considered one of Israel's great mystics. The Carmelite order, known as 'sons of Elijah,' recognizes him as its founder. The religious icon is delivered in an elegant blue velvet case and includes an evaluation by a specialized expert. Origin: Central Russia. Technique: egg tempera. Materials: wood, levkas. Actual measurements: 30.5x26 cm. Period: 18th Century
