Lot number 2070 - Auction 142
MONUMENTALE VITA-IKONE MIT DEM PROPHETEN ELIAS UND ZWÖLF SZENEN SEINER VITA

A MONUMENTAL ICON SHOWING THE FIERY ASCENT OF THE PROPHET ELIJAH, WITH SCENES FROM HIS LIFE Russian, 1st half 17th century Tempera on wood panel with kovcheg. The haloes made of gold. Minor areas of retouching. 87 x 68.7 cm. The story of the prophet Elijah tells of his extraordinary life and deeds: 1. The Birth of the Prophet Elijah: Angels surround the newborn Elijah, illuminating him with fire that reveals his divine calling. 2. Elijah warns King Ahab of a drought: Elijah informs the king of a three-year drought as punishment for the sins of the people. 3. Elijah in the house of the widow of Zarephath: During the drought, Elijah seeks refuge in the house of a widow in Zarephath. 4. Elijah revives the widow's son: When the widow's son dies, Elijah prays to God and restores the child to life. 5. God appears to Elijah in a gentle breeze: On Mount Horeb, Elijah encounters the Lord in the stillness of a gentle wind. 6. Elijah preaches the true God to the people: He calls upon the people of Israel to return to the one true God. 7. Elijah prepares the sacrifice: On Mount Carmel, Elijah prepares a sacrifice for God to demonstrate His power. 8. Elijah's prayer brings down fire: In response to his prayer, God sends fire from heaven that consumes the soldiers of King Ahaziah. 9. Elijah prays for rain: After the long drought, Elijah prays again, asking God to send rain, which eventually falls. 10. Elijah defeats the priests of Baal: Elijah challenges the priests of Baal and proves to the people that only the God of Israel is powerful. 11. A raven feeds Elijah in the wilderness: While fleeing, Elijah is sustained by a raven that brings him food in the wilderness. 12. Elijah and Elisha cross the Jordan: Before Elijah is taken up to heaven, he crosses the Jordan River with his successor Elisha, and the waters part before them.