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This icon is part of the archived collection and is no longer available.
A remarkable antique Russian icon depicting the Fiery Ascent of the Prophet Elijah, one of the most dramatic and spiritually significant narratives in traditional Russian religious art. The upper composition portrays Elijah ascending toward heaven in a magnificent fiery chariot drawn by powerful red horses, surrounded by swirling flames, while the Lord Sabaoth appears within a radiant heavenly glory. Below, several episodes from the prophet’s life unfold across a richly detailed mountainous landscape, including Elijah’s encounters in the wilderness and the moment his disciple Elisha receives his mantle, symbolizing the transmission of prophetic authority. The central figure of Elijah, surrounded by carefully arranged biblical scenes and traditional Church Slavonic inscriptions, creates an elaborate devotional composition reflecting the prophet’s extraordinary life and miraculous ascent. Hand-painted in tempera on levkas on a traditional wooden panel, the icon is distinguished by its vivid red celestial imagery, expressive figures, and finely executed narrative details. The dramatic fiery chariot, with its dynamic horses and sweeping flames, contrasts beautifully with the deep green mountainous landscape, earthy brown garments, and richly coloured surrounding scenes. The carefully modelled facial features, flowing robes, delicate highlights, and traditional architectural and landscape elements reflect the artistic conventions of historic Russian icon painting. The extensive narrative arrangement, together with the Church Slavonic inscriptions surrounding the composition, demonstrates the intricate religious storytelling characteristic of traditional Russian devotional art. Attributed to the late 18th to early 19th century, the icon retains a distinctive historical character, displaying a naturally aged painted surface and pronounced period patina. The substantial wooden panel shows considerable evidence of age, with darkened wood, pronounced grain, surface irregularities, and localized structural deterioration visible on the reverse. The surviving painted details, subtle craquelure, naturally worn borders, and areas of surface discoloration further emphasize its historical appearance. The elaborate biblical composition, vivid colour contrasts, and traditional painting techniques contribute to the artistic and devotional significance of this distinctive Russian icon. Condition: Overall good antique condition considering its attributed age, with age-related surface wear, craquelure, scattered abrasions, localized paint and ground losses, and natural discoloration throughout the composition. Minor wear is visible along the painted borders and within portions of the landscape, while the principal figures and vivid red celestial scene remain well defined. The wooden panel displays considerable age-related wear, including darkening, surface scratches, localized splitting, and small holes on the reverse that may indicate historical wood-boring insect activity. Evidence of historical conservation or localized retouching may be present. Despite these characteristics, the principal composition remains beautifully preserved, with its expressive figures, richly coloured garments, dramatic fiery chariot, and elaborate narrative details maintaining their strong visual appeal.
