Russian icon Ascent into Heaven of the Prophet Elijah, 19th century, 34x29 cm
Russian icon "Ascent into Heaven of the Prophet Elijah", early 19th century. This orthodox icon depicts the prophet Elijah's ascent to heaven on a chariot of fire, witnessed by his disciple Elisha, one of the most striking episodes of the Old Testament. Elijah, from Gilead, acted in the 9th century B.C. and is remembered as a defender of the one true God against idolatry, especially during the reign of Ahab and Queen Jezebel. His life is marked by extraordinary events: the challenge on Mount Car...
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Russian icon "Ascent into Heaven of the Prophet Elijah", early 19th century. This orthodox icon depicts the prophet Elijah's ascent to heaven on a chariot of fire, witnessed by his disciple Elisha, one of the most striking episodes of the Old Testament. Elijah, from Gilead, acted in the 9th century B.C. and is remembered as a defender of the one true God against idolatry, especially during the reign of Ahab and Queen Jezebel. His life is marked by extraordinary events: the challenge on Mount Carmel against the priests of Baal, his stay 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 light breeze. A central figure of biblical spirituality, Elijah is regarded as one of Israel's great mystics and also appears at the Transfiguration alongside Christ and Moses. In iconography, the scene of the ascent conveys victory over the earthly realm and spiritual elevation, making this image a powerful symbol of faith, contemplation and union with God.
The work is executed according to tradition in egg tempera on a wood panel prepared with levkas, a technique typical of Russian iconography.
Origin: Moscow, Russia.
Technique: Egg tempera on wood with levkas preparation.
Materials: Wood, levkas, egg tempera.
Dimensions: 34.4 x 29 cm.
Period: Early 19th century.