Russian painted icon

Calgary Coin & Antique

Life of Saint Elijah

early 19th century

Russian painted icon depicting scenes from the life of Saint Elijah, a prophet who lived in the 9th century BC. 177 mm wide, 221 mm high and 19 mm thick. This type dates to the early 19th century, probably around the 1830's.

Larger image
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Saint Elijah was known to the Russians as a visionary who saw God, as a prophet and miracle worker, but most importantly as one who controled the elements including rain, thunder and fire. His feast day is July 20th, which corresponds with the start of the harvests which depend so much on the rains he controlled.

Elijah by the brook Cherith

The story of Elijah started when God sent him to deliver a message to Ahab, and then commanded him to go into hiding by the brook Cherith, which is depicted on the center of the right side, where he is standing by the brook.

While in hiding God sends ravens to bring him food, which is depicted on the large central image where Elijah raises his hands to a raven.

Elijah raises his hands to a raven

Elijah and Jezebel
in front of the flaming altar

Then the brook dried up and for the next two years there was famine in the land, but god sent Elijah to stay with the widow of Zarephath where he and the widow survived for two years on her scanty food. Then the famished Elijah traveled to Camel where sacrifices were offered to determine if Baal or Jehovah were the true God. This is depicted in the center of the left side where Elijah and Jezebel are shown in front of the flaming altar.

The people chose Jehovah over Baal, and killed the Priests of Baal. To avenge the priests Jezebel threatened to kill Elijah who fled into the wilderness where he slept below a wilderness juniper tree. An angel woke him, telling him to arise and partake in the food and drink the angel had brought. In the lower left corner is a depiction of the angel waking him.

Angel waking Elijah

Elijah and Elisha standing at the river Jordon with Elijah lowering his mantle to the waters.

Elijah, with Elisha, lowering his
mantle into the river Jordon

Elijah then retired for many years and during this time taught his successor, Elisha. When the time was near for him to ascend to heaven, both Elijah and Elisha traveled to Jericho and while crossing the river Jordon the waters were divided when they came into contact with Elijah's mantle. In the lower right corner we can see Elijah and Elisha standing at the river Jordon with Elijah lowering his mantle to the waters.

Soon after Elijah ascended to heaven in a chariot pulled by three horses, all encased in a bright red fire ball. This ascension is depicted across the top of the icon.

Elijah, ascending to heaven in a chariot pulled by three horses,
all encased in a bright red fire ball

The horses are difficult to see because they are painted the same color as the fire ball, but this appears to be intentional as an identical coloration can be seen on an icon shown on Rollins college website.

There is slight wear and minor paint damage, as is to be expected on an icon of this period. It showa no sign of having been re-touched. Painted on a one piece board that appears to be of some softer wood, there is a very slight curvature to the board, but no major cracks.