86 - Icon; 18th century.

Icon; 18th century. “Scene from the Life of the Prophet Elijah.” Painting on wood panel. Measurements: 51 x 45 x 3 cm. A narrative icon dedicated to the prophet Elijah, one of the Old Testament figures of particular importance in the Orthodox tradition. The composition depicts the prophet in the center, seated before the cave in a posture of meditation and prayer, surrounded by various scenes from his life and his miracles.In the upper section, the Ascension of the prophet Elijah to heaven in a chariot of fire, drawn by horses, stands out as the prophet is lifted up among the clouds. The scene alludes to the biblical account of his taking up into heaven and constitutes the culminating episode of the iconographic program.Arranged around the main scene are small narrative vignettes depicting various episodes from the prophet’s life, following the tradition of hagiographic or biographical icons. Together, they allow viewers to follow, in sequence, some of the major events associated with Elijah.