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St Elijah & Chariot of Fire Icon on Glass
Ref: 3291
One of the most charming of all the Romanian glass icons made were the ones of Saint Elijah in the School of Brasov.
They typically describe the moment when the elderly prophet is walking and talking on a country path with his faithful disciple, Elisha, a chariot of fire with fiery steeds suddenly appears and Elijah ascends to Heaven in "a whirlwind" - not omitting the symbolic gesture of passing his mantle on to his student before he goes.
This icon follows the design and detail of the one in the Museum in Brasov (illustrated) but with the addition of three angels. Like the St George icon previously listed it is the primitive depictions of animals in the icon that adds to the appeal - here, both oxen and horses, white and red. The way the hills are painted as kaleidoscopic bands is notable too and the ladder of puffy clouds the saint rides is also crazy but in a good way.
Comes with original pine frame and case. Hangs. These icons slightly larger than the Nicula ones. From private collection.
Transylvania mid-19th cent
H: 55cm (21.7in)
W: 47cm (18.5in)
D: 1.5cm (0.6in)
SOLD
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