Tempera and gold leaf on wood
Russia, circa 1700
Dimensions: 90 x 60 cm
Very good condition
A large icon of Prophet Elijah, his Sojourn in the desert and his fiery ascent to heaven
The icon is well executed in saturated colors
Provenance: Dutch private collection

The oversized figure of the elderly Prophet Elijah, seated in front of the cave dominates the composition. He is dressed in a long, green chiton and a cape made of animal skin. His left hand rests on a staff and with his right hand he holds a bun of bread that had just been given to him by the raven that hovers next to him. The portrait of the saint is complemented by three scenes: the lower left corner shows his vision of an angel, the opposite corner represents the prophet accompanied by his disciple Elisha on their way to cross the river Jordan, and the upper part of the icon is occupied by the ascent of the prophet to heaven via a fiery quadriga. The billowing clouds at the upper left corner reveal an image of the Old of the Days, wearing a hexagonal, golden halo and signing in benediction as He anticipates to receive Elijah.

The panel is made of three vertical planks of wood, with two inserted sphonki. In the lower third of the icon there is a restored continuous crack. The painted surface is in good condition with restorations in the upper area. On the back is some slight wood worm damage (inactive). The dimensions are 90 x 60 cm. (tm)

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